NEWTON FORSTER THE MERCHANI SERVICE 4 LONDON : PRINTED BY J. OGDEN AND CO. 172, ST. JOHN STREET, E.C. "Jackson awoke as from a deep sleep, and then stared at Newton, who as a precaution, had the handspike in his hand." ' NEWTON FORSTER OR THE MERCHANT SERVICE BY CAPTAIN MARRYAT Honesty is the Best Policy WITH ILLUSTRATIONS LONDON GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS The Broadway, Ludgate NEW YORK: 4^6 BROOME STREET 1873 /^7 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, THE MERCHANT SERVICE. CHAPTER I. '* And what is this neiu book the whole world viahes such a rout about? — Oh I Uis out of all plumb ^ my lord, — quite an irrei^ular thins^; not one of the angles at the four corners was a right angle, I had my rule and coinpasscs^ VI y lordf in my pocket. — Excellent critic I " Gra7it me patience. Just Heaven I Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world — though the cant of hypociHtes may be the woj'sty the cant of criticism is the ??iost torf?ienting." — Sterne. What authors in general may feel upon the subject I know not, but I have discovered, since I so rashly took up my pen, that there are three portions of a novel which are extremely difficult to arrange to the satisfaction of a fastidious public. The first is the beginning, the second the middle, and the third is the end. The painter who, in times of yore, exposed his canvas to universal criticism, and found, to his mortirication, that there was not a particle of his composition which had not been pro- nounced defective by one pseudo-critic or another, did not receive severer castigation than I have experienced from the tcnsoliclted remarks of '^ d — d good-natured friends." " I like your first and second volume," said a tall, long- chinned, short-sighted blue, dressed in yellow, peering into my face, as if her eyes were magnifying glasses, and she was ob- taining the true focus of vision; "but you fall oif in your last, which is all about that nasty line-of-battle ship." "I don't like your plot, sir," bawls out in a stentorian voice an elderly gentleman; "I don't like your plot, sir/' repeated he, with c 2 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, an air of authority, Avliich he had long assumed from supposmg, because people would not be at the trouble of contradictmg his opinions, that they were incontrovertible — " there is nothing but death.*' " Death, my dear sir,'' replied I, as if i was hailing tne look- out man at the mast-head, and hoping to soften him with my intentional bull ; " is not death, sir, a true picture of human life?^' "Ay, ay,'' growled he, either not hearing or not taking j "it's all very well, but — there's too much killing in it." " In a novel, sir, killing's no murder, you surely will admit ; and you must also allow something for professional feeling — * 'tis my occupation ) ' and after five-and-twenty years of constant practice, whether I wield the sword or the pen, the force of habit " " It won't do, sir," interrupted he ; " the public don't like it. Otherwise," continued this hypercritic, softening a little, " some of the chapters are amusing, and, on the whole, it may be said to be rather — that is— not unpleasantly written." " I like your first and third volumes, but not your second," squeaked out something intended to have been a woman, with shoulder-blades and collar-bones, as De Ville v/ould say, most strongly developed. " Well now, I don't exactly agree with you, my dear Miss Pegoo; I think the second and third volumes are by far the most readable^^ exclaimed anothej' things perched upon a chair, with her feet dangling halfway between her seat and the carpet. " If I might presume upon my long standing in the service, Captain ," said a pompous general officer, whose back appeared to have been fished widi the kitchen poker — " if I might venture to offer you advice," continued he, leading me paternally by the arm a little on one side, " it would be, not again to attempt a defence of smuggling : I consider, sir, that as an officer in his Majesty's service, you have strangely com- mitted yourself." "It is not my defence, sir : they are the arguments of a smuggler." " You wrote the book, sir," replied he, sharply; " I can assure you that I should not be surprised if the Admiralty took notice of it." THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 3 "Indeed, sir," replied I, with assumed alarm. I received no answer, except a most significant nod of the head, as he walked away. But I have not yet arrived at the climax, which made me inclined to exclaim, with the expiring Lion in the fable A midshipman — yes, reader, a midshipman — who had formerly belonged to my ship, and had trembled at my frown, ranged up alongside of me, and with a supercilious air, ob- served, " I have read your book, and — there are one or two good things in it." Hear this, admirals and captains on half-pay ! hear this, port-admirals and captains afloat ! I have often heard that the service was deteriorating, going to the devil, but I never became a convert to the opinion before. ' Gracious Heaven ! what a revengeful feeling is there in the exclamation, " O that mine adversary had written a book I " To be snarled at, and bow-wowed at, in this manner, by those who fmd fault because their intellect is not sufficient to enable them to appreciate ! Authors, take my resolution ; which is, never to show your face until your work has passed through the ordeal of the Reviews. Keep your room for the month after your literary labour. Reviews are like Jesuit father confessors, guiding the opinions of the multitude, who blindly follow the suggestions of those to whom they may have en- trusted their literary consciences. If your work is denounced and damned, still you will be the gainer; for is it not better to be released at once from your sufferings by one blow from the paw of a tiger, than to be worried piecemeal by creatures who have all the will, but not the power to inflict a coup de grace ? The author of " Cloudesley," enumerating the qualifications necessary to a wiiter of fiction, observes, "When he introduces his ideal personage to the public, he enters upon his task with a preconception of the qualities that belong to this being, the principle of his actions, and its necessary concomitants," &c. &c. That such preparation ought to be made, I will not deny; but were I to attempt an adherence to these rules, the public would never be troubled with any production of mine. It would be too tedious a journey in prospective for my wayward 4 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, intellect; and if I calculated stages before I ordered my horses, I should abandon the attempt, and remain quietly at home. Mine is not a journey of that methodical description; on the contrary, it is a ramble hand-in-hand with Fancy, with a light heart and a lighter baggage; for my whole wallet, when I set off, contains but one single idea — but ideas are hermaphrodite, and these creatures of the brain are most prolific. To speak more intelligibly, I never have made any arrangement of plot when I commenced a work of fiction, and often finish a chapter without having the slightest idea of what materials the ensuing one is to be constructed. At times I feel so tired that I throw down the pen in despair; but it is soon taken up again. Like a pigmy Antaeus, it seems to have imbibed fresh vigour from its prostration. 1 remember when the '' King's Own" was finished, I was as happy as a pedestrian who had accomplished his thousand miles in a thousand hours. My voluntary slavery was over, and I was emancipated. Where was I then? I recollect; within two days sail of the Lizard, returning home, after a six week's cruise to discover a rock in the Atlantic, which never existed except in the terrified or intoxicated noddle of some master of a merchant vessel. . It was about half-past five in the evening, and I was alone in my after-cabin, quite alone, as the captain of a man-of-war must be, even when in presence of his ship's company. If being sent to sea has been pronounced by the ofiicers and men to be transportation^ being the captain of the ship may truly be designated as solitary confinement. I could not send for any one to whom I could impart the intelligence — there was no one whom I could expect to sympa- thise with me, or to whom I could pour out the abundance of my joy; for that the service prohibited. What could I do? Why, I could dance; so I sprang from my chair, and singing the tune, commenced a quadrille movement, — Tal de ral la, tal de ral la, lity, lity, lity liddle-um, tal de ral la tal '' ^' Three bells, sir,'' cried the first-lieutenant, who had opened my door unperceived by me, and showed evident surprise at- my motions. " Shall we beat to quarters ? " — ^' Certainly, Mr. B ," replied I, and he disappeared. But this interruption produced only a temporary cessation: I was in the height of " Cavalier seul," when his head popped into the cabin THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 5 "All present, and sober, sir," reported he, with a demure smile. " Except the captain, I presume you are thinking," repHed T. "Oh! no, indeed, sir; I observed that you were very merry." "I am, Mr. B , but not with wine; mine is a sort of intellectual intoxication not provided for in the Articles of AVar." "A what! sir?" " Oh ! something that you'll never get drunk upon, as you never look into a book — beat a retreat." "Ay, ay, sir," replied the first-lieutenant; and he disap- peared. And I also beat a retreat to my sofa; and as I threw myself upon it, mentally vowed that, for two months at the least, I never vrould take up a pen. But we seldom make a vow which we do not eventually break ; and the reason is obvious. We vow only when hurried into excesses ; we arc alarmed at the dominion which has been acquired over us by our feelings, or by our habits. Checked for a time by an adherence to our resolution, theygradually recover their former strength, until they again break forth, and we yield to their overpowering influence. A few days after I had made the resolution, I found myself, like the sailor, ravarding it by writing more indefatigably than ever. So now, reader, you may understand that I continue to write, as Tony Lumpkin says, not to please my good-natured friends, " but because I can't bear to disappoint myself; " for that which I commenced as an amusement, and continued as a drudgery, his ended in becoming a coiifij-med habit. • So much for the overture. Now let us draw up the curtain, and our actors shall appear upon the stage. NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER II. *^ Boldly I venture on a naval scene, N'orfear the critic's froivn, the pedant^ s spleen. Sons of the ocean, ive their Titles disdain.'^ *' Hark I — a shock Tears her strong bottoin on a marble rock. Down on the vale of death, with dismal crieSy The fated victims, shuddering, roll their eyes In wild despair — ivhile yet another stroke With- deep convulsion rends the solid oak^ Till like the mine in whose infernal cell The lurking def?ions of destruction diuell, At length, asunder torn, her frame divides. And crashing, spreads in rui7i o'er the tides' Falconer. It was in the dreary month of fog, misanthropy, and suicide — the month during which Heaven receives a scantier tribute of gratitude from discontented man — during which the sun rises, but shines not — gives forth an unwilhng Hght, but glads us not with his cheerful rays — during Avhich large tallow candles assist the merchant to calculate his gains, or to philosophise over his losses — in short, it was one evening in the month of Novem- ber of the year 17 — , that Edward Forster, who had served many years in his Majesty's navy, was seated in a snug arm- chair, in a snug parlour, in a snug cottage to which he had re- tired upon his half-pay, in consequence of a severe wound which had, for many years, healed but to break out again eacli succeeding spring. The locality of the cottage was not exactly so snug as it has been described in itself, and its interior ; for it was situated on a hill which terminated at a short distance in a precipitous cliff, beetling over that portion of the Adantic which lashes the shores of Cumberland under the sub-denomination of the Irish Sea. But Forster had been all his early life a sailor, and still felt the same pleasure in listening to the moaning and whistling of the wind, as it rattled the shutters of his cottage (like some importunate who would gain admittance), as he used to experience when, lying in his hammock, he was awakened by the howling of the blast, and shrouding himself in his THE MERCHANT SERVICE. f blankets to resume his nap, rejoiced that he was not exposed to its fury. His finances did not allow him to indulge in luxuries, and the distillation of the country was substituted for wane. With Jiis feet upon the fender, and his glass of whisky-toddy at his side, he had been led into a train of thought by the book which he had been reading, some passage of which had re- called to his memory scenes that had long passed aw^ay — the scenes of youth and hope — the happy castle-building of the fresh in heart, invariably overthrown by time and disappoint- ment. The night was tempestuous ; the rain now pattered loud, then ceased as if it had fed the wind, which renewed its violence, and forced its way through every crevice. The car- pet of his little room occasionally rose from the floor, swelled up by the insidious entrance of the searching blast; the solitary candle, which from neglect had not only elongated its wick to an unusual extent, but had formed a sort of mushroom top, was every moment in danger of extinction, while the chintz curtains of the window waved solemnly to and fro. But the deep reverie of Edward Forster was suddenly disturbed by the report of a gun, swept to leeward by the impetuosity of the gale, which hurled it with violence against the door and front windows of his cottage, for some moments causing them to vibrate with the concussion. Forster started up, dropping his book upon the hearth, and jerking the table with his elbow, so as to dash out the larger proportion of the contents of his tumbler. The sooty coronal of the wick also fell with the shock, and the candle, relieved from its burden, poured forth a brighter gleam. " Lord ha' mercy, Mr. Forster; did you hear that noise?'* cried the old housekeeper (the only inhabitant of the cottage except himself), as she bolted into the room, holding her apron in both hands. *' I did, indeed, Mrs. Beazely,'' replied Forster ; " it's the signal of a vessel in distress, and she must be on a dead lee- shore. Give me my hat!" and draining off the remainder in his tumbler, while the old lady reached his hat off a peg in the passage, he darted out from the door of his tenement. The door, which faced to seaward, flew open with violence, as Forster disappeared in the darkness of the night. 8 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, The old housekeeper, on whom had devolved the task of securing it, found it no easy matter ; and the rain, blown m by the sweeping gale, proved an effectual and unwelcome shower- bath to one who complained bitterly of the rheumatics. At last her object was accomplished, and she repaired to the parlour to re-light the candle which had been extmguished, and await the return of her master. After sundry ejaculations and sundry wonders, she took possession of his arm-chair, poked the fire, and helped herself to a glass of whisky-toddy. As soon as her clothes and her tumbler were again dry, sl'e announced by loud snores that she was in a happy state of obhvion ; in which we shall leave her, to follow the motions of Edward Forster. It was about seven o'clock in the evening when Forster thus exposed himself to the inclemency of the weather. But a io."^ weeks before how beautiful were the evenings at this hour ; the sun disappearing beyond the distant v/ave, and leaving a portion of his glory behind him, until the stars, in obedience to the divine fiat, were lighted up to " shine by night;" the sea rippling on the sand, or pouring into the crevices of the rocks, changing its hue, as daylight slowly disappeared, to the more sombre colours it reflected, from azure to each deeper tint of grey, until darkness closed in, and its extent v/as scarcely to be defined by the horizontal line. Now all was changed. The roaring of the wind and the hoarse beating of the waves upon the streaming rocks deafened the ears of Edward Forster. The rain and spray were hurled in his face, as, with both hands, he secured his hat upon his head ; and the night was so intensely dark that but occa- sionally he could distinguish the broad belt of foam with which the coast was lined. Still Forster forced his way tow^ards the beach, which it is now requisite that we should more particu- larly describe. As we before observed, the cottage was built upon a high land, which terminated in a precipitous cliff about two hundred yards distant, and running in a direct line to the Avestward. To the northward the coast for miles was one continued line of rocky cliffs, affording no chance of life to those who might be dashed upon them ; but to the southward of the cliff which formed the promontory opposite to Forster's cottage, and THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 9 which terminated the range, there was a deep indent in the line of coast, forming a sandy and nearly land-locked bay, small in- deed, but so sheltered that any vessel which could run in might jemjin there in safety until the gale was spent. Its only occu- pant was a fisherman, who, with his family, lived in a small cottage on the beach. He was an ally of Forster, w'ho had entrusted to his charge a skiff, in Avhich, during the summer months, he often whiled away his time. It w^as to this cottage that Forster bent his way, and loudly knocked when he arrived. •'Robertson — I say, Robertson," called Forster, at the full compass of his voice. " He is not here, Mr. Forster," answered Jane, the wife of the fisherman ; " he is out, looking for the vessel." "Which way did he go?" Before an answer could be returned, Robertson himself appeared. " I'm here, Mr. Forster," said he, taking off his fur cap, and squeezing out with both hands the w^ater with which it was loaded ; "but I can't see the vessel.'' " Still, by the report of the gun, she must be close to the shore, (iet some fagots out from the shed, and light as large a fire as you can : don't spare them, my good fellow ; I will pay you." " That I'll do, sir, and w^ithout pay ; I only hope that they'll understand the signal, and lay her on shore in the cove. There's another gun !" This second report, so much louder than the former, indi- cated that the vessel had rapidly neared the land ; and the direction from which the report came proved that she must be close to the promontory of rocks. " Be smart, my dear fellow, be smart," cried Forster. " I will go up to the cliff, and try if I can make her out ;" and the parties separated upon their mutual w^ork of sympathy and good will. It w^as not without danger, as well as difficulty, that Forster succeeded in his attempt ; and when he arrived at the summit, a violent gust of wind would have thrown him off his legs, had he not sunk down upon his knees and clung to the herbage, losing his hat, which was borne far away to leeward. In this position, drenched with the rain and shivering with the cold, he remained some minutes, attempting in vain, with straining 10 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, eyes, to pierce through the gloom of the night, when a flash of hghtning, which darted from the zenith, and continued its eccentric career until it was lost behind the horizon, discovered to him the object of his research. But a few moments did he behold it, and then, from the sudden contrast, a film appeared to swim over his aching eyes, and all was more intensely, more horribly dark than before ; but to the eye of a seafaring man this short view was sufficient. He perceived that it was a large ship, within a quarter of a mile of the land, pressed gun- nel under with her reefed courses, chopping through the heavy seas — now pointing her bowsprit to the heavens, as she rose over the impeding swell ; now plunging deep into the trough encircled by the foam raised by her own exertions, like some huge monster of the deep, struggling in her toils, and lashing the seas around in her violent efforts to escape. The fire burnt up fiercely in the cove, in defiance of the rain and wind, which, after in vain attempting to destroy it in its birth, now seemed to assist it with their violence. ^' She may yet be saved," thought Forster, " if she will only carry on. Two cables' length miore, and she will be clear of the point." Again and again was the vessel momentarily presented to hi s^ view, as the forked lightning darted in every quarter of the firnjament, while the astounding claps of thunder bursting upon his ears before the lightning had ceased to gleam, announced to him that he was kneeling in the very centre of the war of the elements. The vessel neared the cliff in about the same proportion that she forged ahead. Forster was breathless with anxiety, for the last flash of electricity revealed to him that two moments more would decide her fate. The gale now redoubled its fury, and Forster was obliged to cling for his existence as he sank, from his kneeling posture, flat upon the wet herbage. Still he had approached so near to the edge of the cliff that his view below Avas not interrupted by his change of posture. Another flash of lightning. It was enough ! " God have mercy on their souls ! " cried he, drop- ping his face upon the ground as if to shut out the horrid vision from his sight. He had beheld the vessel within the surf, but a few yards distant from the outer rocks, thrown on her beam-ends, with THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 11 both foresail and mainsail blown clean out of their bolt-ropes. The cry for succour was raised in vain ; the wail of despair was not heard ; the struggles for life were not beheld, as the elements in their wrath roared and howled over their victim. As if satiated with its devastation, from that moment the storm gradually abated, and Forster, taking advantage of a lull, slowly descended to the cove, where he found Robert- son still heaping fuel on the fire. " Save your wood, my good fellow ; it's all over with her ; and those who w^ere on board are in eternity at this moment," said Forster, in a melancholy tone. " Is she gone then, sir? " " Right on the outer ledge ; there's not a living soul to see your beacon." "God's will be done!" replied the fisherman; "then their time was come — but He who destroys, can save if He pleases ; I'll not put out the fire while there's a fagot left, for you know, Mr. Forster, that if anyone should by a miracle be thrown into the smooth water on this side of the point, he might be saved ; that is, if he swam well :" — and Robertson threw on more fagots, which soon flared up with a brilliant light. The fisher- man returned to the cottage, to procure for Forster a red woollen cap in lieu of the hat which he had lost ; and they both sat down close to the fire to warm themselves and todry their streaming clothes. Robertson had once more replenished the fuel, and the vivid blaze glared along the water in the cove, when the eye of Forster was attracted by the appearance of something float- ing on the wave, and evidently nearing to the shore. He pointed it out to the fisherman, and they descended to the water's edge, awaiting its approach with intense anxiety. "It's not a man, sir, is it?" observed Robertson after a minute's pause. "I cannot make it out," replied Forster; "but I rather think that it is an animal — something living, most assuredly.'' In another minute or two, the point was decided ; they dis- tinguished a large dog bearing something white in its mouth, and making for the shore where they were standing. Calling to the poor beast, to cheer him, for he evidently was much exhausted, and approached but slowly, they soon had the 12 NEWrON FORSTER; OR, satisfaction of -seeing liini pass through the surf, which, even at this time, was not heavy in the cove, and with the water pouring from his shaggy coat, stagger towards them, bearing in his mouth his burden, which he laid down at Forster's feet, and then shook off the accumulation of moisture from his skin. Forster took up the object of the animaFs soHcitude — it was the body of an infant, apparently a few months old. "Poor thing !'' cried Forster, mournfully. " It's quite dead, sir," observed the fisherman. " I am afraid so,'^ replied Forster, " but it cannot have been so long ; the dog evidently bore it up clear of the water, until it came into the surf Who knows but ^ve could restore it?" " If anything will restore it, sir, it will be the waraith of a woman's breast, to which it hitherto hath clung. Jane shall take it in her bed, between her and the Httle ones;" and the fisherman entered the hut w^ith the child, which was undressed, and received by his wife v/ith all the sympathy which maternal feelings create, even towards the offspring of others. To the delight of Forster, in a quarter of an hour Robertson came out of the cottage, with the intelligence that the child had moved and cried a litde, and that there was every chance of its recovery. '' It's a beautiful little girl, sir, Jane says ; and if it lives, she will halve her milk between it and our little Tommy." Forster remained another half-hour, until he had ascertained that the child had taken the breast and had fallen asleep. Congratulating himself at having been the means of saving even one little life out of the many which, in all probability, had been swallowed up, he called to the dog, who had re- mained passive by the fire, and rose up to return home ; but the dog retreated to the door of the cottage, into which he had seen the infant carried, and all attempts to coax him away were fruitless. Forster summoned Robertson, to whom he gave some further directions, and then returned to his home, where, on his arrival, his old housekeeper, who had never been awakened from her sound nap until roused by his knocking at the door, scolded him not a little for being out in such tempestuous weather, and a great deal more for having obliged her to sit up and watch all night until his return. * • It's quite dead, Sir,' observed the fisherman.* THE MERCHANT SERVICE 13 CHAPTER III. ** Creation smiles around ; on every spray The ivarhling birds exalt their rjening lay ; Blithe skipping o'er yon hill^ the fieecy train yoin the deep chorus of the loaving plain : The glassy ocean ^ husJCd^ forgets to roar, But ircinbhng, inurnnirs on the sandy shored — FALCONER. FoRSTER was soon fast asleep after his night of exertion : his dreams were confused and wild ; but I seldom trouble people about dreams, which are as naught. When Reason descends from her throne, and seeks a transitory respite from her labour, Fancy usurps the vacant seat, and in pretended majesty, would fain exert her sister's various powers. These she enacts to the best of her ability, and with about the same success as attends a monkey when he attempts the several operations connected with the mystery of shaving : — and thus ends a very short and conclusive dissertaton upon dreams. But, to use a nautical phrase, we must "heave-to" in our narrative awhile, as it is necessary that we should enter a little more into the previous history of Edward Forster ; which we can now do without interruption, as the parties we have intro- duced to the reader are all asleep. The father of Edward Forster was a clergyman, who, not- withstanding he could reckon up some twenty or thirty first, second, and third cousins with high-sounding titles, officiated as curate in a district not far from that part of the country where Forster at. present was located. He was one of the bees of the Church, who are constantly toiling, while the drones are eating up the honey. He preached three sermons, and read three services, at three different stations, every Sunday through- out the year ; while he christened, married, and buried a popu- lation extending over some thousands of square acres, for the scanty stipend of one hundred per annum. Soon after he was in possession of his curacy, he married a young woman, who brought him beauty and modesty as her dower, and subse- quently pledges of mutual love ad lib. But He that giveth, taketh away; and out of nearly a score of these interesting but expensive presents to her husband, only three, all of the masculine gender, arrived at years of maturity. John (or Jock 14 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, as he usually was called), who was the eldest, was despatched to London, where he studied the law under a relation ; who, perceiving that Mrs. Forster's annual presentation of the living was not followed up by any presentation to the living, kindly took charge of and received him into his own house. Jock was a hard-headed fellow, studied with great diligence, and retained what he read, although he did not read fast ; but that which he lost in speed he made up by perseverance, and had now, entirely by his own exertions, risen to considerable eminence in his profession ; but he had been severed from his family in early days, and had never been able to return to them. He heard, indeed, of the birth of sundry brothers and sisters ; of their deaths, and lastly, of the demise of his parents, — the only communication which affected him ; for he loved his father and mother, and was anticipating the period when he might possess the means of rendering them more comfortable. But all this had long passed away. He was now a bachelor past fifty, bearish and uncouth in his appearance, and un- gracious in his deportment. Secluded in his chambers, poring over the dry technicalities of his profession, he had divided the moral world into two parts — honest and dishonest, lawful and unlawful. All other feelings and affections, if he had them, were burled, and had never been raised to the surface. At the time we speak of, he continued his laborious, yet lucrative, profession, toiling in his harness like a horse in a mill, heaping up riches, knowing not who should gather them; not from avarice, but from long habit, which rendered his profession not only his pleasure, but essential to his very existence. Edward Forster had not seen him for nearly twenty years ; the last time was when he passed through London on his retirement from the service. Indeed, as they never corresponded (for there was nothing in common between them), it is a matter of doubt whether Jock was exactly aware which of his brothers remained alive; and had it been a subject of interest, he would, in all probability, have referred to the former letters of his father and mother, as legal documents, to ascertain who was remaining of his kin. The next surviving son was yclept (there's something very consonant in that word) Nicholas. The Reverend Mr. Forster, who had no inheritance to bequeath to his family except a good 7 HE MERCHANT SERVICE, 15 name^ which, although better than riches^ will not always pro- cure for a man one penny loaf, naturally watched for any peculiar symptoms of genius in his children which might designate one of the various paths to wealth and fame by which it would be most easy for the individual to ascend. Now, it did occur that when Nicholas was yet in womanish attire, he showed a great partiality to a burning-glass, with which he contrived to do much mischief. He would burn the dog's nose as he slept in the sun before the door. His mother's gown showed proofs of his genius by sundry little round holes, which were considerably increased each time that it returned from the wash. Nay, heretical and damnable as is the fact, his father's surplice was as a moth-eaten garment from the repeated and insidious attacks of this young philosopher. The burning-glass decided his fate. He was bound apprentice to an optical and mathematical instrument maker; from which situation he was, if possible, to emerge into the highest grade of the profession; but somehow or another, a want of ambition or of talent did not permit him to ascend the scale, and he now kept a shop in the small seaport town of Overton, where he repaired damaged articles of science — a watch one day, a quadrant or a compass another ; but his chief employment and his chief forte lay in telescopes; and accordingly, a large board, with *' Nicholas Forster, Optician," surmounted the small shop window, at which he was invariably to be seen at his employment. He was an eccentric person, one of those who had narrowly escaped being clever; but there was an obliquity in his mind which would not admit of lucid order and arrangement. In the small town where he resided, he I continued to pick up a decent sustenance ; for he had no competitor, and was looked upon as a man of considerable ability. He w^as the only one of the three brothers who had ventured upon wedlock. But of this part of our history we shall at present say no more than that he had an only child, and had married his wife, to use his own expression, because she suited his focus, Edward Forster, the youngest, whom we have already intro- duced to the reader, showed strong nautical propensities ; he swam nut-shells in a puddle, and sent pieces of lath with paper sails floating down the brook which gurgled by the parsonage. l6 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, This was circumstantial evidence : he was convicted, and ordered off to sea, to return a Nelson. For his conduct during the time he served her, Edward Forster certainly deserved well of his country ; and had he been enabled to continue in his profession, would, in all probability, have risen by his merit to its highest grades ;*but having served his time as midshipman, he received a desperate wound in "cutting out," and shortly after obtained his promotion to the rank of lieutenant for his gallant conduct. His wound was of that severe description that he was obliged to quit the service, and, for a time, retire upon his half-pay. For many years he looked forward to the period when he could resume his career : — but in vain ; the wound broke out again and again ; fresh splinters of the bone con- tinually worked out, and he was doomed to constant disappoint- ment. At last it healed ; but years of suffering had quenched the ardour of youth, and when he did apply for employment, his services had been forgotten. He received a cool negative, almost consonant to his wishes : and returned, without feeling mortified, to the cottage we have described, where he lived a secluded, yet not an unhappy life. His wants were few, and his half-pay more than adequate to supply them. A happy con- templative indolence, arising from a well-cultivated mind, feed- ing rather upon its previous acquirements than adding to its store — an equanimity of disposition, and a habit of rigid self- command — were the characteristics of Edward Forster ; whom I shall now awaken, that we may proceed with our narrative. " Well, I do declare, Mr. Forster, you have had a famous nap," cried Mrs. Beazely, in a tone of voice so loud as to put an immediate end to his slumber, as she entered his room with some hot water to assist him in that masculine operation, the diurnal painful return of which has been considered to be more than tantamount in suffering to the occasional "pleasing punish- ment which women bear." Although this cannot be proved until ladies are endowed with beards (which Heaven forfVnd !), or some modern Tiresias shall appear to decide the point, the assertion appears to^ be borne out, if we reason by analogy from human life ; where we find that it is not the heavy blow of sudden misfortune tripping the ladder of our ambition and laying us prostrate, which constitutes life's intermittent " fitful fever/' but the thousand petty vexations of hourly occurrence. THE MERCHAK'T SER VICE, ! 7 We return to Mrs. Beazely, who continued — " Why, it's nine o'clock, Mr. Forster, and a nice fresh morning it is too, after last night's tempest. And pray what did you hear and see, sir?" continued the old woman, opening the shutters and admitting a blaze of sunshine, as if determined that at all events he should now both hear and see. *' I'll tell you all, Mrs. Beazely, when I am dressed. Let me have my breakfast as soon as you can, for I must be off again to the cove. I did not intend to have slept so late." "Why, what's in the wind now, Mr. Forster? " said the old lady, borrowing one of his nautical phrases. ** If you wish to know, Mrs. Beazely, the sooner you allow me to get out of bed, the sooner I shall be able to give you the information you require.'' " But what made you stay out so late, Mr. Forster ? " con- tinued the housekeeper, who seemed determined, if possible, to have a little information eji attendant^ to stay her appetite until her curiosity could obtain a more substantial repast. " I am sorry to say, there was a vessel wrecked." " O dear ! O dear ! Any lives lost ? " " All, I am afraid, except one, and even that is doubtful." *' O Lord ! O Lord ! Do, pray, Mr. Forster, tell me all about it." "As soon as I am dressed, Mrs. Beazely," replied Mr. Forster, making a m.ovement indicative that he was about to " turn ouf,^^ whether or 710, and which occasioned Mrs. Beazely to make a hasty retreat. In a few minutes Forster made his appearance in the parlour, where he found both the kettle and the housekeeper boiling with impatience. He commenced eating and narrating until the respective appetites of Mrs. Beazely and himself were equally appeased, and then set off for the abode of Robertson, to as- certain the fate of the infant. How different was the scene from that of the night before ! The sea was still in commotion ; and as the bright sun shone upon its agitated surface, gilding the summits of the waves, although there was majesty and beauty in the appearance, there was naught to excite terror. The atmosphere, purified by the warfare of elements, was fresh and bracing. The short verdure which covered the promontory and hills adjacent, was of a c i8 NEWTON F0RS7ER; OR, more brilliant green, and seemed as if to bask in the sun after the cleansing it had received from the heavy rain ; while the sheep (for the coast was one extended sheep-walk) studded the sides of the hills, their white fleeces in strong, yet beautiful con- trast with the deep verdure of nature. The smooth water of the cove, in opposition to the vexed billows of the unsheltered ocean ; the murmuring of the light waves, running in long and gently curved lines to their repose upon the yellow sand; their surface occasionally rippled by the eddying breeze as it swept along; his own little skiff safe at her moorings, undulating with the swell; the sea-gulls, who but a few hours ago were screaming with dismay as they buffeted against the fury of the gale, now skimming on the waves, or balanced on the wing near to their inaccessible retreats ; the carolling of the smaller birds on every side of him, produced a lightness of heart and quickened pulse, to which Edward Forster had latterly been a stranger. He soon arrived at the cottage, where the sound of his foot- steps brought out the fisherman and his wife, the latter bearing in her arms the little object of his solicitude. " See, Mr. Forster,'' said Jane, holding out the infant, " it's quite well and hearty, and does nothing but smile. What a lovely babe it is ! " Forster looked at the child, who smiled, as if in gratitude ; but his attention was called away by the Newfoundland dog, who fawned upon him, and after having received his caresses, squatted down upon the sand, which he beat with his tail as he looked wistfully in Forster's face. Forster took the child from the arms of its new mother. " Thou hast had a narrow escape, poor thing," said he, and his countenance assumed a melancholy cast as the idea floated in his mind. "Who knows how many more perils may await thee? Who can say whether thou art to be restored to the arms of thy relatives, or to be left an orphan to a sailor's care? Whether it had not been better that the waves should have swallowed thee in thy purity, than thou should'st be exposed to a heartless world of sorrow and of crime ? But He who willed thee to be saved knows best for us who are in darkness ; " and Forster kissed its brow, and returned it to the arms of Jane. Having made a few arrangements Avith Robertson and his wife, in whose care he resolved at present to leave the child 'THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 19 Forster bent his steps towards the promontory, that he might ascertain if any part of the vessel remahied. Stretching over the summit of the cHff, he perceived that several of the lower futtocks and timbers still hung together, and showed themselves above water. Anxious to obtain some clue to her identity, he prepared to descend by a winding and hazardous path which he had before surmounted. In a quarter of an hour he had gained a position close to the wreck ; but, with the exception of the shattered remnant which was firmly wedged between the rocks, there was nothing to be seen ; not a fragment of her masts and spars, or sails, not a relic of what was once life remained. The tide, which ran furiously round the promontory, had swept them all away, or the tuidcrtow of the deep water had buried every detached particle, to be delivered up again, " far, far at sea.'' All that Forster could ascertain was, that the vessel was foreign built, and of large tonnage ; l)ut who were its unfortunate tenants, or what the cargo, of which she had been despoiled by the devouring waves, was not even to be sur- mised. The linen on the child was marked J. de F. ; and this was the only clue which remained for its identity. For more than an hour did Forster remain fixed as a statue upon the rock, where he had taken his station with arms folded, while he contemplated the hoarse waves dashing again.. t the bends, or dividing as they poured themselves between the timbers of the vessel, and he sunk into deep and melancholy thought. And where is the object exciting more serious reflection than a wreck ? The pride and ingenuity of man humbled and overcome ; the elements of the Lord occupying the fabric which had set them at defiance; tossing, tumbling, and dancing, as if in mockery at their success ! The structure, but a few hours past, as perfect as human intellect could devise, towering with its proud canvas over space, and bearing man to greet his fellow- man, over the surface of death / — dashing the billow from her stem, as if in scorn, while she pursued her trackless way — bearing tidings of peace and security, of war and devastation — tidings of joy or grief, affecting whole kingdoms and empires, as if they were but individuals ! Now, the waters delight in their revenge, and sparkle with joy, as the sun shines upon their victory. That keel, which 20 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, with the sharpness of a scythe has so often mowed its course through the reluctant wave, is now buried — buried deep in the sand, which the angry surge accumulates each minute, as if determhied that it never will be subject to its weight again. How many seasons had rolled away, how many millions had returned to the dust from which they sprung, before the kernels are swelled into the forest giants levelled for that structure ; — what labour had been undergone to complete the task ; — hov/ many of the existent race found employment and subsistence as they slowly raised that monument of hum.an skill ; — how often had the weary miner laid aside his tool to wipe his sweating brow, before the metals required for its completion had been brought from darkness ; — what thousands had been employed before it was prepared and ready for its destined use ! Yon copper bolt, twisted with a force not human, and raised above the waters, as if in evidence of their dreadful power, may con- tain a history in itself How many of her own structure must have been employed, bringing from the north, the south, the east, and the west, her masts, her spars, her " hempoi tackle,^ and her canvas wings ; her equipment in all its variety ; her stores for the support of life ; her magazines of quiescent death,^ And they who so fearlessly trod her decks, conscious of their own powers, and confident in their own skill ; they who expanded her thousands of yards of canvas to the pursuing breeze, or reduced them, like magic, at the approaching storm — where are they now ? How many sighs have been lavished at their absence ! how many hearths would have been gladdened by their return ! Where are the hopes, the fears, the ambition, and the pride; the courage and the enterprize ; the love and the yearnings after their kin ; the speculations of the present, and the calculations of the future, which occupied their minds, or were cherished in their bosoms ? All — all W7'ecked! Days, weeks, and months rolled away ; yet every step that could be taken to find out the name of the vessel proved unavailing. Although the conjectures of Forster, that she was one of the many foreign West Indiamen which had met with a similar fate during that tempestuous winter, was probably correct ; still no clue could be gathered by which the parentage * We presume the gentleman means gunpowder. — Ed, THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 21 of the little girl coi'.L.i be asceriained. The linen was, indeed, marked with initials ; but this circumstance offered but a faint piospect of discoveiy. Either her relations, convinced of her loss, made no inquiries, or the name of the vessel in which she had been a passenger was not known to them. The child had been weaned, and removed to the cottage, where it occupied much of the attention of the old housekeeper and Forster, who, despairing of its ever being reclaimed, determined to bring it up as his own. Mrs. Beazely, the housekeeper, was a good-tempered woman, long past the grand climacteric, and strongly attached to Forster, with whom she had resided many years. But, like all women, whether married or single, who have the responsibility of a household, she would have her own way; and scolded her master with as little ceremony as if she had been united to him by matrimonial bonds. To this Forster quietly submitted ; he had lived long enough to be aware that people are not the happiest who arc not under control, and was philosopher sufficient to submit to the penal code of matrimony without tasting its enjoyments. The arrival of the infant made him more than ever feel as if he were a married man ; for he had all the delights of the nursery in addition to his previous discipline. But, although bound by no ties, he found himself happier. He soon played with the infant, and submitted to his housekeeper v/ith all the docility of a well-trained married man. The Newfoundland dog, who, although (like some of his betters) he did not change his name for a fortune, did, in all probability, change it with his fortune, soon answered to the deserved epithet of " Faithful,'' and slept at the foot of the crib of his little mistress, who also was to be rechristened. *' She is a treasure, which has been thrown up by the ocean," said Forster, kissing the lovely infant. *' Let her name be Amber.'" But we must leave her to bud forth in her innocence and purity, while we direct the attention of the reader to other sceneS; v/hich are contemporary wath those we have described. 22 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, CHAPTER IV. *^ A ivoman moved is like a fountain troubled. Muddy, ill-see77iing, thiek, bereft of beauty ; And zuhile Uis so, none so dry or thirsty Will deign to sip, or touch one di'op of it.'''' — S.:lAKsrEARE. A MAN may purchase an estate, a tenement, or a horse, because they have pleased his fancy, and eventually find cut that he has not exactly suited himself; and it sometimes will occur that a man is placed in a similar situation relative to his choice of a wife : — a more serious evil ; as, although the prime cost may be nothing, there is no chance of getting rid of this latter speculation by re-vending, as you may the former. Now it happened that Nicholas Forster, of whom we have already made slight mention, although he considered at the time of his marriage that the person he had selected would exactly suit his foais, did eventually discover that he was more short-sighted in his choice than an optician ought to have been. Whatever may have been the personal charms of Mrs. Nicholas Forster at the time of their union, she had, at the period of our narrative, but few to boast of, being a thin, sharp-nosed, ferret-eyed little woman, teeming with suspicion, jealousy, and bad humours of every description : her whole employment (we may say, her whole delight) was in finding fault : her shrill voice was to be heard from the other side of the street from morning until night. The one servant which their finances enabled them with difficulty to retain, and whom they engaged as a maid of all work (and certainly she was not permitted by Mrs. Forster to be idle in her multifarious duty), seldom remained above her month; and nothing but the pros- pect of immediate starvation could induce any one to offer herself in that capacity. Mr. Nicholas Forster, fortunately for his own happiness, was of that peculiar temperament that nothing could completely rouse his anger : he was absent to an excess ; and if any language or behaviour on the part of his wife induced his choler to rise, other ideas would efface the cause from his memory; and this hydra of the human bosom, missing the object of its intended attack, again laid down to rest. The violence and vituperation of his spouse were^ therefore, r THE MERCHANT SEE VICE. 23 lost upon Nicholas Forster ; and the impossibility of disturbing the equanimity of his temper increased the irritability of her own. Still Mr. Nicholas Forster, when he did reflect upon the subject, which was but during momentary fits of recollection, could not help acknowledging that he should be much more quiet and happy when it pleased Heaven to summon Mrs. Forster to a better world : and this idea ultimately took pos- session of his imagination. Her constant turbulence interfered so much with the prosecution of his plans, that, finding it impossible to carry them into execution, everything that he considered of moment was mentally put off until Mis, Forster was dead! " Well, Mr. Forster, how long is the dinner to wait before you think proper to come ? Everything will be cold, as usual. — (N.B. The dinner consisted of the remains of a cold shoulder of mutton.) — Or do you mean to have any dinner at all? Betty, clear away the table ; I have my work to do, and won't wait any longer." ** I'm coming, my dear, Fm coming ; only this balance-spring is a job that I cannot well leave," replied Nicholas, continuing his vocation in the shop, with a magnifying glass attached to his eye. *' Coming ! yes, and Christmas is coming, Mr. Forster. — Well, the dinner's going, I can tell you." Nicholas, who did not want appetite, and who was conscious that if the mutton returned to the cupboard there would be some difficulty in reproducing it, laid down the watch and came into the back parlour. " Well, my dear, here I am ; sorry to have kept you waiting so long, but business must be attended to. Dear me ! why, the mutton is really quite cold," continued Nicholas, thrusting a large piece into his mouth, quite forgetting that he had already dined twice off the identical joint. "That's a fine watch of Mr. Tobin's ; but I think that my improvement upon the duplex when I have finished it " "• When you have finished it, indeed ! " retorted the lady ; *' why, when did you ever finish anything, Mr. Forster ? Finish, indeed ! " " Well, my dear," replied the husband, with an absent air — " I do mean to finish it, when — you are dead I ^^ 24 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, ** When I am dead ! *' screamed the lady, in a rag^e — " when I am dead ! '' continued she, placing her arms akimbo, as she started from the chair. *' I can tell you, Mr. Forster, that \% live long enough to plague you. It's not the first time that you've said so \ but depend upon it, I'll dance upon youp grave yet, Mr. Forster." » " I did not exactly mean to say that ; not exactly that, m^ dear," replied Nicholas, confused. "The fact is that I wa? not exacdy aware of what I was saying — I had not pre'cisely- the '^ ** Precisely the fiddle-stick, Mr. Forster ! you did mean it,:;, and you do mean it, and this is all the return that I am tfe expect for my kindness and anxiety for your welfare — slaving^ and toiling all day as I do ; but you're incorrigible, Mr. Forster ;| look at you, helping yourself out of your snuff-box instead qR^ the salt-cellar. What man in his senses would eat a cold" shoulder of mutton with tobacco?" ^ -' '■' " Dear me, so I have," replied Forster, removing the snuff taken from the box, which, as usual, lay open before him, not into the box again, but into the salt-cellar. "And who's to eat that salt now, you nasty beast ?'^ " I am not a beast, Mrs. Forster," replied her husband, whose choler was roused ; "I made a mistake, I do perceive — now I recollect it, did you send Betty with the ' day and night glass ' to Captain Simkins ? " " Yes, I did, Mr. Forster ; if I did not look after your busi- ness, I should hke to know what would become of us ; and I can tell you, Mr. Forster, that if you do not contrive to get more business, there will soon be nothinoj to eat ; seventeen and six- pence is all that I have received this last vv^eek ; and how rent and fire, meat and drink, are to be paid for v/ith that, you must explain, for I can't." " How can I help it, my dear? I never refuse a job." "Never refuse a job? no; but you must contrive to make more business." " I can mend a watch, and make a telescope, but I can't make busines?, my dear," replied Nicholas. " Yes, you can, and you must, Mr. Forster," continued the lady, sweeping off the remains of the mutton, just as her husband had fixed his eye upon the next cut, and locking it THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 25 up In the cupboard — " if you do not, you will have nothing to eat, Mr. For^ter." " So it appears, my dear," replied the meek Nicholas, taking a pinch of snuff; *' but I really don't " " Why, Mr. Forster, if you were not one of the greatest '* "No, no, my dear," interrupted Nicholas, from extreme modesty, " I am not one of the greatest opticians of the present day; although, when I've made my improve ". " Greatest opticians ! " interrupted the lady. " One of the greatest yc;^/x, I meant!" "That's quite another thing, my dear; but " " No buis^ Mr. Forster ; please to listen, and not interrupt me in that bearish manner. Why do you repair in the way you do ? Who ever brings you a watch or a glass that you have handled a second time?" " But why should they, my dear, when I have put them in good order?" "Put them in order ! but why do you put them in order?" "Why do I put them in order, my dear?" replied Forster, with astonishment. " Yes ; why don't you leave a screw loose, somewhere? then they must come again. That's the proper way to do business." " The proper way to do my business, my dear, is to see that all the screws are tight." "And s'arve,'' continued the lady. " If it please God," replied the honest Nicholas. But this matrinionial duet v.as interrupted by the appearance of their son, whom we must introduce to the reader, as he will play a conspicuous part in cur narrative. Newton Forster — (for thus had he been christened by his father, out of respect for the great Sir Isaac) — was now about seventeen years old — athletic and well-proportioned in person, handsome in features, and equally gifted in mind. There was a frankness and sincerity in his open brow, an honesty in his smile, which immediately won upon the beholder ; and his countenance was but an index to his mind. His father had bestowed all his own leisure, and some expense, which he could ill afford, upon his education, trusting one day that he would rival the genius after whom he had been christened ; but Newton was not of a disposition to sit down either at a desk 26 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, or a work-bench. Whenever he could escape from home or from school, he was to be found either on the beach or at the pier, under the shelter of which the coasting vessels discharged or received their cargoes ; and he had for some years declared his intention to follow the profession of a sailor. To this his father had reluctantly consented, with the proviso that he Avould first finish his education ; and the mutual compact had been strictly adhered to by each party. At the age of fifteen, Newton had acquired all that could be imparted to him by the pedagogue of the vicinity, and had then, until something better should turn up, shipped himself on board of a coasting vessel, in which, during the last two years, he made several trips, being usually absent about six weeks, and remaining in port about the same time, until another cargo could be procured. Young as he was, the superiority of his education had obtained him the situation of mate of the vessel ; and his pay enabled him to assist his father, whose business, as Mrs. Forster lieclared, was not sufficient to "make both ends meet.'' Upon his return, his love of knowledge and active habits induced him to glean as much as he could of his father's profession, and he could repair most articles that were sent in. Although Newton amused himself with the peculiarities and eccentricity of his father, he still had a high respect for him, as he knew him to be a worthy, honest man. For his mother he certahily had none : he was indignant at her treatment of his father, and couid find no redeeming quality to make amends for her catalogue of im- perfections. Still he had a peculiar tact, by which he avoided any serious altercation. Never losing his own temper, yet quietly and firmly resisting all control, he assumed a dominion over her, from which her feelings towards him, whatever they may have been in his early years, were now changed into those of positive hatred. His absence this morning had been occasioned by his assistance being required in the fitting of a new main-stay for the sloop to which he belonged. *' Please God, what, father?" said Newton, as he came in, catching • his father's last words. " Why, your mother says that we must starve or be dis- honest." *' Then we'll starve, father, with a clear conscience 3 but I THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 27 hope things are not so bad yet, for I am devilish hungry/' con- tinued Newton, looking at the dinner-table, which offered to his view nothing but a table-cloth, with the salt-cellar and the snuff- box. *' Why, mother, is it dead low water, or have you stowed all away in the locker ?" — and Newton repaired to the cupboard, which was locked. Now Mrs. Forster was violent with others, but with Newton she was always sulky. " There's nothing in the cupboard," growled the lady. "Then why lock up nothing?" rejoined Newton, who was aware that veracity was not among Mrs. Forster's catalogue of virtues. " Come, mother, hand me the key, and I'll ferret out something, I'll answer for it." Mrs. Forster replied that the cupboard was her own, and she was mistress of the house. "Just as you please, mother. But, before I take the trouble, tell me, father, is there anything in the cupboard?" " Why, yes, Newton, there's some mutton. At least, if I recollect right, I did not eat it all — did I, my dear?" Mrs. Forster did not condescend to answer. Newton went into the shop, and returned with a chisel and hammer. Taking a chair to stand upon^ he very coolly began to force the lock. " I am very sorry, mother, but I must have something to eat ; and since you won't give? me the key, why " observed Newton, giving the handle of the chisel a smart blow with the hammer " Here's the key, sir," cried Mrs. Forster, with indignation, throwing it on the table, and bouncing out of the room. A smile was exchanged between the father and son, as she went backwards, screaming, " Betty — I say, Betty, you idle slut, where are you?" as if determined to vent her spleen upon somebody. "Have you dined, father?" inquired Newton, who had now placed the contents of the cupboard upon the table. " Why, I really don't quite recollect; but I feel very hungry," replied the optician, putting in his plate to receive two large slices ; and father and son sat down to a hearty meal, proving • the truth of the wise man's observation, that, " Better is a dinner of herbs where iove is, than the stalled ox and hatred therewith," 28 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER V. *' IVhate' er it be, * Tis zvondrous heavy. Wrench it open straight, Jf the sea's stomach be overcharged with gold. It is a good constraint to fortune, that It belches on zis.''^ — Shakspeare. About three weeks after the events narrated in the preceding chapter, Newton Forster sailed in his vessel with a cargo to be deHvered at the seaport of Waterford. The master of her was immoderately addicted to liquor ; and during the time that he remained in port, seldom was to be found in a state of perfect sobriety, even on a Sunday. But, to do hitn justice, when his vessel was declared ready for sea, he abstained from his usual indulgence, that he might be enabled to take charge of the property committed to his care, and find his way to his destined port. It was a point on which his interest overcame, for a time, his darling propensity : and his rigid adherence to sobriety, Vv^hen afloat, was so well ascertained, that his character as a trustworthy seaman was not injured by his continual intempe- rance when in harbour. Latterly, however, since Newton had sailed with him, he had not acted up to his important resolu- tion. He found that the vessel was as safe under the charge of Forster as under his ow^n ] and having taken great pains to in- struct him in seamanship, and make him well acquainted with the dangers of the coast, he thought that, as Nev/ton was fully equal to the charge of the vessel, he might as well indulge him- self with an occasional glass or two, to v/hile away the tedium of embarkation. A stone pitcher of liquor was now his con- stant attendant when he pulled on board to weigh his anchor; which said pitcher, for fear of accidents, he carried down into the cabin himself As soon as sail v/as on the vessel, and her course shaped, he followed his darling companion down into the cabin, and until the contents were exhausted was never sufficiently sober to make his appearance on deck ; so that Newton Forster was, in fact, the responsible master of theves5:el. The wind, which had been favourable at the time of heaving up the anchor, changed, and blew directly in their teeth, before they were well out of sight of the port of Overton. On the THE MER CHANT SEE VICE, 29 third day they were stretching off the land, to meet the first of the tide, under a hght breeze and smooth water, when Newton perceived various objects floating in the ofiing. A small thing is a good prize to a coaster ; even an empty beaker is not to be despised ; and Newton kept away a point or two, that he might close and discover what the objects were. He soon dis- tinguished one or two casks, swimming deeply, broken spars, and a variety of other articles. When the sloop was in the midst of tliem, Newton hove-to, tossed out the little skiff, and, in the course of an hour, unknown to his captain, who was in bed sleeping off the effect of his last potations, brought along- side, and contrived to parbuckle in, the casks, and as many others of the floating articles as he could conveniently stow upon her decks. The boat was again hoisted in, by the united exertions of himself and his crew, consisting of one man and one boy; and the sloop, wearing round, reached in for the land. It Vv'as evident to Newton that some large vessel had lately been wrecked; for the spars were fresh in the fracture, and clean — not like those long in the water, covered with sea-weed, and encircled by a shoal of fish, who finding sustenance from the animalculae collected, follow the floating pieces of wood up and down, as their adopted parent, wherever they may be swept by the inconstant winds and tides. Newton examined the heels of the spars, but they were not marked with the name of the vessel to which they had be- longed. The two casks had only initials branded upon their heads ; but nothing could be found which would designate the owners of the property. A large trunk riveted his attention ; but he would not open it till the master of the vessel came upon deck. Having ascertained by spiling that the contents of the casks were real Jamaica^ he went down into the cabin to announce what he knew would be most grateful intelligence. It was some time before Newton could rouse his stupefied senior. " Spars — wrecked ! '* " What spars ? D— n the wreck ! " growled old Thompson (for such was his name), as he turned his back in no very ceremonious manner, and recommenced his snore. ^'There's a trunk besides, sir," a large trunk; but I did not open it, as you were not on deck. A large trunk, and rather heavy." 30 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, "Trunk !— well, what then? Trunk ! — oh, d — n the trunk ! — let me go to sleep,'' muttered the master. " There's two large casks^ too, sir ; I've spiled them, and they prove to be puncheons of rum," bawled Newton, who pertinaciously continued. " Eh ; what?— casks ! what casks ?" " Two puncheons of rum." "Rum! — did you say rum?" cried old Thompson, lifting his head off the pillow, and staring stupidly at Newton ; " where ? " " On deck. Two casks : we picked them up as we were standing off the land." " Picked them up ? — are they on board ? " inquired the master, silting upright in his bed and rubbing his eyes. " Yes, they're on board. Won't you come on deck ? " "To be sure I will. Two puncheons of rum, you said?" and old Thompson gained his feet, and reeled to the com- panion ladder, holding on by all fours ^ as he climbed up with- out his shoes. When the master of the sloop had satisfied himself as to the contents of the casks, which he did by taking about half a tumbler of each, Newton proposed that the trunk should be opened. " Yes," replied Thompson, who had drawn off a mug of the spirits, with which he was about to descend to the cabin, " open if you like, my boy. You have made a bon prize to- day, and your share shall be the trunk ; so you may keep it, and the things that are stowed away in it, for your trouble ; but don't forget to secure the casks till we can stow them away below. We can't break bulk now ; but the sooner they are down the better ; or we shall have some quill-driving rascal on board, with his flotsam and jetsam^ for the Lord knows who; " and Thompson, to use his own expression, went down again "to lay his soul in soak." Reader, do you know the meaning ol flotsam and jetsam ? None but a lawyer can, for it is old law language . Now, there is a slight difference between language in general and law language. The first was invented to enable us to explain our own meaning, and comprehend the ideas of others ; whereas the second was invented with the view that we should not be able to understand a word about it. In former times, when all law, except chib law. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. ^i was in its infancy, and practitioners not so erudite, or so thriving as at present, it was thought advisable to render it unintelligible by inventing a sort of lingo^ compounded of bad French, grafted upon worse Latin, forming a mongrel and in- comprehensible race of words, with French heads and Latin tails, which answered the purpose intended — that of mystifica- tion. — Flotsa7n and jdsavi are of this breed. Flvl^ derived from the French flottant^ floating ; and jet from the verb jeter, to throw tip ; both used in seignorial rights, granted by kings to favourites, empowering them to take possession of the property of any man who might happen to be unfortunate, which was in those times tantamount to being guilty. I dare- say, if one could see the deed thus empowering them to con- fiscate the goods and chattels of others for their own use, according to the wording of the learned clerks in those days, it would run thus : — " Omnium quod flotsam et jetsam, et every- thing else-um, quod findetes ; '' in plain English, ''■ Everything floating or thrown up, and everythtng else you may pick up." Now, the admiral of the coast had this piratical privilege : and as, in former days, sextants and chronometers were unknown, seafaring men incurred more risk than they do at presenl, and the wrecks which strewed the coast were of very great value. I had a proof the other day that this right is still exacted ; that is, as far as regards property imdaimed. I had arrived at Plymouth from the Western Islands. When we hove up our anchor at St. Michael's, we found another anchor and cable hooked most lovingly to our own, to the great joy of the first- lieutenant, who proposed buying silk handkerchiefs for every man in the ship, and expending the residue in paint. But we had not been at anchor in Plymouth Sound more than twenty- four hours, and he hardly had time to communicate with the gentlemen-dealers in marine stores, when I received a notifica- tion from some lynx-eyed agent of the present admiral of the coast (who is a lawyer, I believe), requesting the immediate delivery of the anchor and cable, upon the plea of his seignorial rights oi flotsam zxi^ jetsam. Now, the idea was as preposterous as the demand was impudent. We had picked up the anchor in the roadstead of 2i foreign power, about fifteen hundred miles distant from the EngUsh coast. We are all lawyers, ?io7a, on board ship ; so I gave him one 32 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, of my legal answers, *' that, in the first place, flotsam meant floating, and anchors did not float ; in the second place, that jetsam meant thrown up, and anchors never were thrown, up ; in the third and last place, Td see him d — dflrst/ " My arguments were unanswerable. Counsel for the plaintiff (I presume) threw up his brief, for we heard no more of " Mr. Flotsai7i and Jetsam^ But to proceed : — The man and boy, who, with New^ton, composed the whole crew, seemed perfectly to acquiesce in the distribution made by the master of the sloop ; taking^ it for granted that their silence, as to the liquor being on board, would be purchased by a share of it, as long as it lasted. They repaired forward with a panikin from the cask, with which they regaled themselves, while Newton stood at the helm. In half an hour Newton called the boy aft to steer the vessel, and lifted the trunk into the cabin below, where he found that Thompson had finished the major part of the contents of the mug, and was lying in a state of drunken stupefaction. The hasp of the lock was soon removed by a claw-hammer, and the contents of the trunk exposed to Newton's view\ They consisted chiefly of female v/earing-apparel and child's linen; but, with these articles there was a large packet of letters, addressed to Madame Louise de Montmorenci, the contents of which were a mystery to Newton, who did not understand French. There were also a red morocco case, containing a few diamond ornaments, and three or four crosses of different orders of knighthood. All the wearing-apparel of the lady was marked with the initials L.M., while those appertaining to the infant wxre marked with the letters J.F. After a careful examination, Newton spread out the clothes to dry, over the cabin lockers and table ; and depositing the articles of value in a safe place, he returned on deck. Although Thompson had presented him with the trunk and its contents, he felt that they could not be considered as his property, and he determined to replace everything, and, upon his return, consult his father as to the proper measures which . should be taken to discover who were the lawful owners. The sloop, under the direction of Newton, had continued her course for two days against the adverse, yet light breeze, when the weather changed. The wind still held to the same ttiE MERCHANT SER VICE, 33 quarter : but the sky became loaded with clouds, and the sun set with a dull red glare, which prognosticated a gale from the N.W. ; and before morning the vessel was pitching through a short chopping sea. By noon the gale was at its height ; and Newton, perceiving that the sloop did not "hold her own," went down to rouse the master, to inquire what steps should be taken, as he considered it advisable to bear up ; and the only port under their lee for many miles was one with the naviga- tion of which he was himself unacquainted. The vessel was under close-reefed mainsail and storm fore- sail, almost buried in the heavy sea, which washed over the deck from forward to the companion hatch, when Newton went down to rouse the besotted Thompson, who, having slept through the night without having had recourse to additional stimulus, was more easy to awaken than before. " Eh ! what ? — blows hard — whew ! — so it does. How's the wind?'' said the master, throwing his feet outside the standing bedplace, as he sat up. "N.W., veering to N.N.W. in the squalls. We have lost good ten miles since yesterday evening, and are close to Dudden Sands,^' replied Newton. " I thmk we must bear up, for the gale shows no signs of breaking." "Well, I'll be on deck in a moment, my boy," rejoined Thompson, who was now quite himself again, and was busy putting on his shoes, the only articles which had been removed when he turned in. " Go you up, and see that they keep her clean, full and bye^ — and those casks well secured. — Dudden Sands — awkward place, too — but I've not been forty years a-boxing about this coast for nothing." In a minute Thompson made his appearance on deck, and steadying himself by the weather topmast backstay, fixed his leaden eyes upon the land on the quarter. — " All right^ younkcr, that's the head, sure enough;" then turning his face to the wind, which lifted up his grey curling locks, and bore them out horizontally from his fur cap, " and it's a devil of a gale, sure enough. — It may last a month of Sundays for all I know. — Up with the helm, Tom. — Ease off the main sheet, handsomely, my lad — not too much. Now, take in the slack, afore she jibes ;" and the master ducked under the main boom and took his station on the other side of the deck. "Steady as you go D 34 NEWTON FORSTER; OR^ now. — Newton, take the helm. — D'ye see that bluff? — keep her right for it. Tom, you and the boy rouse the cable up — get about ten fathoms on deck, and bend it. — You'll find a bit of seizing and a marline-spike in the locker abaft." The sloop scudded before the gale, and in less than two hours was close to the headland pointed out by the master. " Now, Newton, we must hug the point or we shall not fetch — clap on the main sheet here, all of us. — Luff, you may handsomely. — That's all right ; we are past the Sand-head, and shall be in smooth water in a jiffy. — Steady, so-o. — Now for a drop of swizzle,'^ cried Thompson, who considered that he had kept sober quite long enough, and proceeded to the cask of rum lashed to leeward. As he knelt down to pull out the spile, the sloop which had been brought to the wind, was struck on her broadside by a heavy sea, which careened her to her gunnel : the lashings of the weather cask gave way, and it flew across the deck, jamming the unfortunate Thompson, who knelt against the one to leeward, and then bounding overboard. The old man gave a heavy groan, and fell upon his back ; the man and boy ran to his assistance, and by the directions of Newton, who could not quit the helm, carried him below, and placed him on his bed. In a few minutes the sloop was safe at anchor, in smooth water, and Newton ran down into the cabin. Thompson's head had been crushed against the chime of the cask ; for an hour or two he breathed heavily ; and then — he was no more 1 CHAPTER VI. ** The Indian weed, unknown to ancient tiJueSj Nature's choice gift, whose acrimonious ftwie Extracts superfluous juices and refines ' The blood distemper' d from its noxious salts ; Friend to the spirit^ which with vapours bland It gently mitigates — companion fit Ofi * a good pot of porter. ' "—Phillips. " There^s a pot of good double beer, neighbour. Drink " — Shakspeare. The next day the remains of old Thompson were carried on shore in the long-boat, and buried in the churchyard of the THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 35 small fishing town that was within a mile of the port where the sloop had anchored. Newton shipped another man ; and when the gale was over, continued his voyage ; which was accomplished without further adventure. Finding no cargo ready for him, and anxious to deliver up the vessel to the owner, who resided at Overton, he returned in ballast, and communicated the intelligence of Thompson's death ; which, in so small a town, was long the theme of con- versation, and the food of gossips. Newton consulted with his father relative to the disposal of the trunk ; but Nicholas could assist him but little with his advice. After many pros and cons, like all other difficult matters, it was postponed. — " Really, Newton, I can't say. The property certainly is not yours, but still we are not likely to find out the lawful owner. Bring the trunk on shore ; we'll nail it up, and perhaps we may hear something about it by- and'by. We'll make some inquiries — by-and-by — when your mother " " I think," interrupted Newton, ^* it would not be advisable to acquaint my mother with the circumstances ; but how to satisfy her curiosity on that point, I must leave to you." " To me, boy ! no ; I think that you had better manage that, for you know you are only occasionally at home." " Well, father, be it so," replied Newton, laughing : "but here comes Mr. Dragwell and Mr. Hilton, to consult with us what ought to be done relative to the eftects of poor old Thompson. He has neither kith nor kin, to the ninety-ninth degree, that we can find out." Mr. Dragwell was the curate of the parish ; a little fat man with bow-legs, who always sat upon the edge of the chair, leaning against the back, and twiddling his thumbs before him. He was facetious and good-tempered, but was very dilatory in everything. His greatest peculiarity was, that although he had a hearty laugh for every joke, he did not take the jokes of others at the time that they were made. His ideas seemed to have the slow and silent flow ascribed to the stream of lava (without its fire) : and the consequence was, that, although he eventually laughed at a good thing, it was never at the same time with other people \ but in about a quarter or half a minute afterwards (according to the difficulty of the analysis), when 36 MEWTOKT FORSTER; OR, the cause had been dismissed for other topics, he would burst out in a hearty Ha, ha, ha ! Mr. Hilton was the owner of the sloop : he was a tall, cor- pulent man, who for many years had charge of a similar vessel, until by " doing a little contraband," he had pocketed a sufli- cient sum to enable him to purchase one for himself But the profits being more than sufficient for his wants, he had for some time remained on shore, old Thompson having charge of the vessel. He was a good-tempered, jolly fellow, very fond of his pipe and his pot, and much more fond of his sloop, by the employment of which he was suppHed with all his comforts. He passed most of the day sitting at the door of his house, which looked upon the anchorage, exchanging a few words with everyone that passed by, but invariably upon one and the same topic — his sloop. If she was at anchor — "There she is," he would say, pointing to her with the stem of his pipe. If she was away, she had sailed on such a day ; — he expected her back at such a time. It was a fair wind — it was a foul wind for his sloop. All his ideas were engrossed by this one darling object, and it was no easy task to divert him from it. I ought to have mentioned that Mr. Dragwell, the curate, was invariably accompanied by Mr. Spinney, the clerk of the parish, a little spare man, with a few white hairs straggling on each side of a bald pate. He always took his tune, v/hether in or out of church, from his superior, ejecting a small treble " He, he, he ! " in response to the loud Ha, ha, ha ! of the curate. "Peace be unto this house!" observed the curate as he crossed the threshold, for Mrs. Forster's character was notorious ; then laughing at his own wit with a Ha, ha, ha ! " He, he, he ! " " Good morning, Mr. Forster, how is your good lady ? " "She's safe moored at last," interrupted Mr. Hilton. " Who? '' demanded the curate, with surprise. " Why, the sloop, to be sure." " Oh ! I thought you meant the lady — Ha, ha, ha ! " "He, he, he!" " Won't you sit down, gentlemen ? " said Nicholas, showing the way from the shop into the parlour, where they found Mrs. Forster, who had just come in from the back premises. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 37 " Hope you're well, Mr. Curate," sharply observed the lady, who could not be persuaded, even from respect for the cloth, to be commonly civil — "take a chair; it's all covered with dust ! but that Betsy is such an idle slut ! '^ *^ Newton handles her, as well as any man going,'' observed Hilton. " Newton !" screamed the lady, turning to her son, with an angry inquiring look — "Newton handles Betsy!" continued she, turning round to Hilton. " Betsy ! no ; the sloop I meant,^ ma'am." Newton burst out into a laugh, in which he was joined by Hilton and his father. ".Sad business — sad indeed !" said Hilton, after the merri- ment had subsided. " Such an av/ful death ! " " Ha, ha, ha ! '' roared the curate, who had but just then taken the joke about Betsy. " He, he, he ! " " Nothing to laugh at, that I can see," observed Mrs. Forster, snappishly. "Capital joke, ma'am, I assure you!" rejoined the curate. " But, Mr. Forster, we had better proceed to business. Spinney, where are the papers ? " The clerk produced an inventory of the eftects of the late Mr. Thompson, and laid them on the table. — " Melancholy thing, this, ma'am," continued the curate, "very melancholy indeed ! But we must all die." " Yes, thank Heaven ! '' muttered Nicholas, in an absent manner. "Thank Heaven, Mr. Forster!" cried the lady, — "why, do you wish to die ? " " I was not exactly thinking about myself, my dear," replied Nicholas—" I " " Depend upon it she'll last a long while yet," interrupted Mr. Hilton. " Do you think so ? " replied Nicholas, mournfully. " Oh ! sure of it ; I stripped her the other day, and examined her all over ; she's as sound as ever." Nicholas started, and stared Hilton in the face ; while Newton, who perceived their separate train of thought, tittered with delight. " What are you talking of? " at last observed Nicholas, 38 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, "Of t^'^ sloop, to be sure," replied Hilton. '* I raiiier imagine you were come to consult about Mr. Thompson's effects," observed Mrs. Forster, angrily — '' rather a solemn subject, instead of " *' Ha, ha, ha ! ^' ejaculated the curate, who had just taken the equivoque which had occasioned Newton's mirdi. " He, he, he ! " This last merriment of Mr. Dragwell appeared to the lady to be such a pointed insult to her, that she bounded out of the room, exclaiming, " that an alehouse would have been a more suitable ixndezvoiis,^^ The curate twiddled his thumbs, as the eyes of all the party followed the exit of Mrs. Forster; and there were a few moments of silence. " Don't you find her a pleasant little craft, Forster?'' said Hilton, addressing Newton. Nicholas Forster, who was in a brown study about his wife, shook his head without lifdng up his eyes, while Newton nodded assent. " Plenty of accommodation in her," continued Hilton. — Another negative shake from Nicholas, and assented nod from Newton. " If I thought you could manage her, Forster," continued Hilton, — " tell me, what do you think yourself? " ^^ Oh, quite impossible!" replied Nicholas. " Quite impossible, Mr. Forster ! Well, now, I've a better opinion of Newton — I think he can.'' " Why, yes," replied Nicholas ! ^' certainly better than I can; but till she's " " She's a beauty, Mr. Forster." *' Mrs. Forster's a beauty ! " cried Nicholas, looking at Hilton with astonishment. Newton and Hilton burst into a laugh. " No, no," said the latter, '*I was talking about the sloop ; but we had better pro- ceed to business. Suppose w^e have pipes, Mr. Forster. Mr. Dragwell, what did you say?" " Ha, ha, ha ! " roared the curate, who had just taken the last joke. " He, he, he ! " '^ Why, yes," continued the curate, '^I think it is a most THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 39 excellent proposition ; this melancholy affair requires a great deal of consideration. I never compose so well as I do with a pipe in my mouth : Mrs. Dragwell says that she knows all my best sermons by the smell of them \ d'ye take? — Ha, ha, ha !" " He, he, he ! '' The pipes, with the addition of a couple of pots of porter, were soon procured from the neighbouring alehouse \ and while the parties are filling them, and pushing the paper of tobacco from one to the other, I shall digress, notwithstanding the con- trary opinion of the other sex, in praise of this most potent and delightful weed. I love thee, whether thou appearest in the shape of a cigar, or diest away in sweet perfume enshrined in the meerschaum bowl ; I love thee with more than woman's love ! Thou art a companion to me in solitude. I can talk and reason with thee, avoiding loud and obstreperous argument, Thou art a friend to me when in trouble, for thou advisest in silence, and consolest w4th thy calm influence over the perturbed spirit. I know not how thy power has been bestowed upon thee ; yet, if to harmonize the feelings, to allow the thoughts to spring without control, rising like the white vapour from the cottage hearth, on a morning that is sunny and serene ; — if to impart that sober sadness over the spirit, which inclines us to forgive our enemy, that calm philosophy which reconciles us to the ingratitude and knavery of the world, that heavenly contempla- tion whispering to us, as we look around, that ''AH is good;" — if these be merits, they are thine, most potent weed. What a quiet world this would be if everyone would smoke ! I suspect that the reason why the fairer sex decry thee is, that thou art the cause of silence. The ancients knew thee not, or the lips of Harpocrates would have been closed with a cigar, and his forefinger removed from the mouth unto the temple. Half an hour was passed without any observation from our party, as the room gradually filled with the volumes of smoke, which wreathed and curled in graceful lines, as they ascended in obedience to the unchangeable laws of nature. Hilton's pipe was first exhausted ; he shook the ashes on the table. " A very melancholy business, indeed !" observed he, as he refilled. The rest nodded a grand assent ; the pipe was relighted J and all was silent as before. 40 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, Another pipe is empty. *' Looking at this inventory," said the curate, " I should imagine the articles to be of no great value. One fur cap, one round hat, one pair of plush breeches \ they are not worth a couple of pounds alto- gether,^' continued he, stufiing the tobacco into his pipe, which he relighted, and no more was said. Nicholas was the third in, or rather, out. " It appears to me," observed he ; — but what appeared is lost, as some new idea flitted across his imagination, and he commenced his second pipe without further remark. Some ten minutes after this, Mr. Spinney handed the pot of porter to the curate, and subsequently to the rest of the party. They all took largely, tlien puffed away as before. How long this cabinet-council might have continued, it is impossible to say ; but Silence, who was in " the chair," was soon afterwards driven from his post of honour by the most implacable of his enemies, a '^ woman's tongue/' '^ Well, Mr. Forster ! well, gentlemen ! do you mean to poison me? Have you made smell and dirt enough? How long is this to last, I should like to know?" cried Mrs. Forster, enter- ing the room. ^* I tell you what, Mr. Forster, you had better hang up a sign at once, and keep an ale-house. Let the sign be a Fool's Head, like your own. I wonder you are not ashamed of yourself, Mr. Curate; you that ought to set an example to your parishioners !" But Mr. Dragwell did not admire such remonstrance; so taking his pipe out of his mouth, he retorted : " If your hus- band does put up a sign, I recommend him to stick you up as the ' Good Woman ;' that would be without your head — Ha, ha, ha !" ^'He, he, he!'^ " He, he, he 1 you pitiful 'natomy,'' cried Mrs. Forster, in a rage, turning to the clerk, as she dared not revenge herself upon the curate. " Take that for your He, he, he !" and she swung round the empty pewter pot, which she snatched from the table, upon the bald pericranium of Mr. Spinney, who tumbled off his chair, and rolled upon the sanded floor. I1ie remainder of the party were on their legs in an instant. Newton jerked the weajjon out of his mother's hands, and threw it in a corner of the room. Nicholas was aghast; he ' Take that for your ' He ! he ! he ! ' And Mrs. Forster swung round the empty pewter-pot." THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 41 surmised that his turn would come next ; and so it proved. — "Ant you ashamed of yourself, Mr. Forster, to see me treated in this way — bringing a parcel of drunken men into the house to insult me ? Will you order them out, or not, sir ? — Are we to have quiet or not?" " Yes, my love," replied Nicholas, confused, ** yes, my dear, by-and-by, as soon as your'e " Mrs. Forster darted towards her husband with the ferocity of a mad cat. Hilton, perceiving the danger of his host, put out his leg so as to trip her up in her career, and she fell flat upon her face on the floor. The violence of the fall was so great, that she was stunned. Newton raised her up ; and, with the assistance of his father (who approached with as much reluctance as a horse spurred towards a dead tiger), carried her upstairs, and laid her on her bed. Poor Mr. Spinney was now raised from the floor. He still remained stupified with the blow, although gradually recover- ing. Betsy came in to render assistance. " O dear, Mr. Curate, do you think that he'll die?" " No, no ; bring some water, Betsy, and throw it in his face." " Better take him home as he is," replied Betsy, " and say that he is killed ; when Missis hears it, she'll be frightened out of her life. It will keep her quiet for some time at least." " An excellent idea, Betty ; we will punish her for her con- duct," replied Hilton. The curate was delighted at the plan. Mr. Spinney was placed in ^n arm-chair, covered over with a table-cloth, and carried away to the parsonage by two men, who were provided by Betsy before Nicholas or Newton had quitted the room where Mrs. Forster lay in a deplorable condition ; her sharp nose broken, and twisted on one side ; her eyebrow- cut open to the bone, and a violent contusion on her forehead. In less than half an hour it was spread through the whole town that Spinney had been murdered by Mrs. Forster, and that his brains were bespattered all over the shop windows 1 42 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER VII. ** That she is jnad, His true: His trice^ His pity; And pity His, His true : a foolish figure ; But farewell it, for I zvill use no art. I\/ad let us grant her then ; and 7toiv rejnains That we find 02it the cause of this efect, Or rather say, the cause of this defect,'''' — Siiakspeare. Mr. Dragwell has already made honourable mention of his wife ; it will therefore only be necessary to add that he had one daughter, a handsome lively girl, engaged to a Mr. Ramsden, the new surgeon of the place, who had stepped into the shoes and the good-will of one who had retired from forty years' practice upon the good people of Overton. Fanny Dragwell had many good qualities, and many others which were rather doubtful. One of the latter had procured her more enemies than at her age she had any right to expect. It was what the French term '' malice," which bears a very different signification from the same word in our own language. She delighted in all practical jokes, and would carry them to an excess, at the very idea of which others would be startled ; but it must be acknow- ledged that she generally selected as her victims those who from their conduct towards others richly deserved retaliation. The various tricks which she had played upon certain cross old spinsters, tattlers, scandalmongers, and backbiters, often were the theme of conversation and of mirth : but this descrip- tion oi cspieglerie contains a most serious objection; which is, that to carry on a successful and well-arranged plot, there must be a total disregard of truth. Latterly, Miss Fanny had had no one to practise upon except Mr. Ramsden, during the period of his courtship — a period at which women never appear to so much advantage, nor men appear so silly. But even for this, the time was past, as latterly she had become so much attached to him that distress on his part was a source of annoyance to herself. When, therefore, her father came home, narrating the circumstances which had occurred, and the plan which had been meditated, Fanny entered gaily into the scheme. Mrs. Forster had long been her abhorrence ; and an insult to Mr. Ramsden, who had latterly been designated by LIrs. Forster as a " Pill-gilding Puppy," was not to be forgotten. THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 43 Her active and inventive mind immediately conceived a plan which would enable her to carry the joke much further than the original projectors had intended. Ramsden, who had been summoned to attend poor Mr. Spinney, was her sole confidant, and readily entered into a scheme which was pleas- ing to his mistress, and promised revenge for the treatment he had received ; and which, as Miss Dragwell declared, would be nothing but retributive justice upon Mrs. Forster. Late in the evening a message was received from Newton Forster, requesting that Mr. Ramsden would attend his mother. He had just visited the old clerk, who was now sensible, and had nothing to complain of except a deep cut on his temple from the rim of the pewter-pot. After receiving a few parting injunctions from Miss Dragwell, Mr. Ramsden quitted the parsonage. '^ I am afraid it's a very bad business, Mr. Forster,'* replied the surgeon to Newton, who had been interrogating him rela- tive to the injury received by Mr. Spinney. " Evident con- cussion of the brain ; he may live — or he may not ; a few days will decide the point : he is a poor feeble old man." Newton sighed as he reflected upon the disaster and disgrace which might ensue from his mother's violence of temper. "Eh ! what, Mr. Ramsden?" said Nicholas,. Avho had been for some time contemplating the battered visage of his spouse. " Did you say she'll die ?" " No, no, Mr. Forster, there's no fear of Mrs. Forster, she'll do well enough. She'll be up and about again in a day or two, as lively as ever." *' God forbid !" muttered the absent Nicholas. " Mr. Forster, see if I don't pay you off for that, as soon as I'm up again," muttered the recumbent lady, as well as the bandages passed under her chin would permit her. " Pray call early to-morrow, Mr. Ramsden, and let us know how Mr. Spinney is going on," said Newton, extending his hand as the surgeon rose to depart. Mr. Ramsden shook it warmly, and quitted the house : he had left them about half an hour when Betsy made her appearance with some fomentations, which had been prepared in the kitchen. Out of revenge for sundry blows daily received, and sundry epithets hourly be- stowed upon her by her mistress, the moment she entered she 44 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, exclaimed, in a half-crying tone, " O dear, Mr. Newton ! there's such shocking news just come from the parsonage; Mr. Spinney is just dead — and my Missis will be hanged !" Mrs. Forster said not a word ; she quailed under dread of the report being correct. Newton and his father looked at each other ; their mute anguish was expressed by covering up their faces with their hands. When Hilton and the curate arranged their plans for the mortification of Mrs. Forster, it was considered advisable that Newton (who was not so easily to be imposed upon) should be removed out of the v/ay. Hilton had already stated his inten- tion to give him charge of the vessel ; and he now proposed sending him for a cargo of shingle, which was lying ready for her, about fifty miles down the coast, and which was to be delivered at Waterford. At an early hour, on the ensuing morning, he called at Forster's house. Newton, who had not taken off his clothes, came out to meet him. *'Well, Newton, how is your mother?" said Hilton. ** I hope you are not angry with me : I certainly was the occasion of the accident, but I could not bear to see your worthy father treated in that manner." " I blush to acknowledge, Mr. Hilton, that she deserved it all,'^ replied Newton ; " but I am very much alarmed about the condition of Mr. Spinney. Have you heard this morning?" " No ; but between ourselves, Newton, doctors always make the worst of their case. I never heard of a pewter pot killing a man ; he'll do well enough, never fear. I came to tell you that I've a letter last night from Repton, who says that the shingle must be delivered before the tenth of next month, or the contract will be void. He desires that I will send the sloop directly, or he must employ another craft. Now, I think you had better start at once ; there's a nice fair wind for you, and you'll be down afore night." " Why, really, Mr. Hilton, I do not exactly like to leave home just now," replied Newton, thoughtfully. "Well, as you please, Mr. Forster," rejoined Hilton, with apparent displeasure. " I have offered you the command of the vessel, and now you object to serve my interests on the very first occasion, merely because there are a couple of broken heads ! " THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 45 " I am wrong, most certainly/' replied Newton ; " I beg your pardon — I will just speak a word or two to my father, and be on board in less than half an hour." "I will meet you there/' said Hilton, "and bring your papers. Be as quick as you can, or you'll lose the first of the tide." ! Newton returned to the house ; his father made no objection ' to his departure ; and, in fulfilment of his promise, Newton was ready to start, wl>en he encountered Ramsden at the door. ^ " Mr. Ramsden,'' said Newton, " I am requested by the owner of my vessel to sail immediately ; but if you think that the life of Mr. Spinney is seriously in danger, I will throw up the command of the vessel, rather than leave my mother under such an accumulation of disasters. I beg as a favour that you will not disguise the truth." " You may sail this minute, if you please, Mr. Forster ; I am happy to be able to relieve your mind. Mr. Spinney is doing very well, and you'll see him at his desk on the first Sunday of your return." " Then I'm off: good-bye, Mr. Ramsden; many thanks.'* With a lightened heart, Newton leapt into the skiff which was to carry him on board of the sloop ; and in less than half an hour was standing away to the southward before a fine wind, to execute the orders which he had received. Ramsden remained a few minutes at the door, until he saw Newton ascend the side of the vessel ; then he entered, and was received by Betsy. " Well, Betsy, you agreed to make Mrs. Forster believe that Mr. Spinney was dead ; but we little thought that such would really be the case." " Lord love you, sir ! why, you don't say so ? " " I do, indeed, Betsy ; but mind, we must keep it a secret for the present, until we can get Mrs. Forster out of the way. How is she this morning ? " " Oh, very stiff, and very cross, sir." " I'll go up to her," rephed Ramsden ; " but recollect, Betsy, that you do not mention it to a soul ; " and Ramsden ascended the stairs. " Well, Mrs. Forster, how do you feel this morning? do you think you could get up ? " 46 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, " Get up, Mr. Ramsden ! not to save my soul — I can't even turn on my side." " Very sorry to hear it, indeed," replied the surgeon ; " I was in hopes that you might have been able to bear a journey." " Bear a journey, Mr. Ramsden ! why bear a journey?" " I am sorry to inform you that Mr. Spinney's gone — poor old man ! There must be a coroner's inquest. Now, it would be as well if vou were not to be found, for the verdict will be * Wilful Murder.' " "O dear! O dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Forster, jumping out of her bed with fright, and wringing her hands : " What can I do ? — what can I do ? " " At present it is a secret, Mrs. Forster, but it cannot be so long. Miss Dragwell, who feels for you very much, begged me not to say a word about it. She will call and consult Avith you, if you would like to see her. Sad thing indeed, Mrs. Forster, to be placed in such a situation by a foolish husband." " You may well say that, Mr. Ramsden," replied the lady, with asperity ; " he is the greatest fool that ever God made ! Everyone knows what a sweet temper I was before I married ; but flesh and blood cannot bear what I am subjected to." " Would you like to see Miss Dragwell ? " "Yes, very much; I always thought her a very nice girl; — a little wild — a little forward indeed, and apt to be impertinent ; but still, rather a nice girl." " Well, then, I will tell her to call, and the sooner the better, for when it is known, the whole town will be in an uproar. I should not be surprised if they attacked the house — the people will be so indignant." " I don't wonder at it," replied Mrs. Forster; " nothing can excuse such provocation as I receive from my husband, stupid wretch ! " " Good morning, Mrs. Forster ; do you think, then, that you could bear moving?" *^ O yes 1 O yes ! But where am I to go ?" " That I really cannot form an idea of — you had better consult with Miss Dragwell. Depend upon it, Mrs. Forster, that I will be most happy to render you all my assistance in this unfortunate dilemma." THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 47 '* You're very good," snarled Mrs. Forster: and Ramsden quitted the room. I have one or two acquaintances, to whom, if I wish a report to be circulated, I immediately impart the substance as a profound secret ; and I find that by these means it obtains a much more extensive circulation than if I sent it to the newspapers. Ramsden was aware of Betsy's cackling propensities ; and long before he quitted Mrs. Forster, it was generally believed throughout the good town of Overton that Mr. Spinney, although he had not been killed outright, as reported in the first instance, had subsequently died of the injuries received from this modern Xantippe. Mrs. Forster had half an hour to reflect upon her supposed awkward situation ; and to drive away thought, had sent for Nicholas, whom she loaded with the bitterest invectives, when Miss Dragwell was announced. " See, sir," continued Mrs. Forster, " the condition to which you have reduced a fond and faithful wife — one that has so studied your interests ; one " ** Yes, indeed," added Miss Dragwell, who heard the attack as she ascended the stairs, and took up the cause of Mrs. Forster to obtain her confidence — ^^ yes, indeed, Mr. Forster, see the consequences of your folly, your smoking, and your drinking. Pray leave the room, sir; I wonder how Mrs. Forster can bear the sight of you." Nicholas stared, and was about to throw in a detached word or two, by way of vindication, when a furious '' Begone !" from his wife occasioned a precipitate retreat. *^ We have all been consulting about this sad business, my dear Mrs. Forster," commenced Miss Dragwell; "and after much consideration have hit upon the only plan by which you may escape the penalty of the law. Yes, my dear ma'am,'* continued Miss Dragwell, in the most bland and affectionate voice, "it is unwise to conceal the truth from you ; the de- positions of my father and Mr. Hilton, when they are called upon, will be such that * Wilful Murder' must be returned, and you — (the young lady faltered, and put up her handker- chief) — you must inevitably be hanged ! " " Hanged ! " screamed Mrs. Forster. 48 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, " Yes, hano^ed — * hanged by the neck until you are dead ! and the Lord have mercy upon your soul ! ' that will be your sentence," replied the young lady, sobbing ; — " such an awful, such a disgraceful death for a woman too ! " " O Lord, O Lord ! " cried Mrs. Forster, who was now really frightened. " What will become of me ?" " You will go to another and a better world, as my papa says in his sermons ; I believe that the pain is not very great— but the disgrace '' Mrs. Forster burst into tears. " Save me ! save me, Miss Dragwell !— Oh ! Oh ! that stupid Nicholas, Oh ! Oh !" " My dear Mrs. Forster, we have all agreed at the parsonage* that there is but one method.'* " Name it, my dear Miss Dragwell, name it ! " cried Mrs. Forster, imploringly. "You must pretend to be mad, and then there will be a verdict of insanity ; but you must carry it through everything, or it will be thought you are shamming. Mr. Ramsden is acquainted with Dr. B , who has charge of the asylum at D . It is only nine miles off: he will take you there, and when the coroner's inquest is over you can return. It will be supposed then to have been only temporary derangement. Do you like the proposal ? " ** Why, I have been mad for a long time,'* replied Mrs. Forster ; " the conduct of my husband and my son has been too much for my nerves ; but I don't like the idea of actually going to a madhouse. Could not " " O dear, marm," cried Betsy, running into the room, " there's a whole posse of people about the house ; they want to take you to the town jail, for murdering Mr. Spinney. What shall I say to them? I'm feared they'll break in." " Go and tell them that Mrs. Forster is too ill to be taken out of bed, and that she is out of her senses — d'ye hear, Betsy, tell them all she is stai^k staring mad! " " Yes, I will, marm," replied Betsy, wiping her eyes as she left the room. Miss Dragwell walked to the window. Although the report spread by Betsy had collected a crowd opposite the house, still there was no attempt at violence. " I'm afraid that it's too late," said the young lady, turning THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 49 from the window. " What a crowd ! and how angry they seem to be ! you must be hanged now ! " " O no ! I'll be mad — I'll be anything, my dear Miss Drag- well." " Well, then, we must be quick — don't put your gown on — petticoats are better — I'll dress you up." Miss Dragwell rummaged the drawers, and collecting a variety of feathers and coloured ribbons, pinned them over the bandages which en- circled Mrs. Forster's head; then pulling out a long-tailed black coat of her husband's, which had been condemned, forced her arms through it, and buttoned it in front. *' That will do for the present," cried Miss Dragwell; " now here's the cat, take it in your arms, go to the window, and nurse it like a baby. I'll throw it open — you come forward and make them a curtsy ; that will spread the report through the town that you are mad, and the rest will then be easy." " Oh ! I can't — I can't go to the window, I can't, indeed." *' I'll open the window and speak to the people," said Miss Dragwell ; and she threw up the sash, informing the gaping multitude that Mrs. Forster was quite out of her senses, but perfectly harmless. "Perfectly harmless, after killing a man!" observed one of the party below. " They won't believe me, Mrs. Forster ; come, you must, or you will certainly be hanged^ Urged by her fears, Mrs. Forster approached the window, and showed herself to the astonihhed crowd. " Curtsy to them," said Miss Dragwell, holding her handkerchief before her mouth. Mrs. Forster curtsied. " Smile upon them," continued the malicious young lady. Mrs. Forster grinned horribly. " Now dance your cat." Mrs. Forster obeyed the injunction. "Now give a loud shriek, and toss the cat out of window." Mrs. Forster uttered a hideous yell, and threw the animal at the heads of the spectators, who retreated with alarm in every direction. " Now burst into a fit of laughter, curtsy to them, and wave your hand, and that will be sufficient." £ 50 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, Mrs. Forster obeyed the last order, and Miss Dragwell shut the window. In a few minutes the report spread that Mrs. Forster had gone out of her senses ; and the murder of Mr. Spinney — a topic which was nearly exhausted — was dismissed for the time to dwell and comment upon the second cata- strophe. CHAPTER VIII. ^^ Mad as the sea and wind ^ luhen both contend which is the mightier y Shakspeare. " So far we have succeeded, my dear Mrs. Forster,'^ said Miss Dragwell; ^'I will now return home, and come back as soon as I can with the post-chaise. Mr. Ramsden's servant shall come with me to conduct you to the asylum \ and I trust in a quarter of an hour to see you clear of these foolish people of Overton, who think that you are the party in fault : you had better rema,in in your room, and not appear again at the window \ the crowd will disperse when they are tired of watch- ing : good-bye, my dear Mrs. Forster, good-bye.'' Mrs. Forster was in too sulky a humour to vouchsafe an answer; and Miss Dragwell quitted the house. Betsy had taken advantage of the turmoil and the supposed lunacy of her mistress to gossip in the neighbourhood. Nicholas Forster was in the shop, but took no notice of Miss Dragwell as she passed through. He appeared to have forgotten all that had occurred, and was very busy filing at his bench. There we must leave him, and follow the motions of the mischief-loving Miss Dragwell. Upon her return, the party collected at the parsonage con- sidered that they had proceeded far enough ; but Miss Drag- well thought otherwise ; she had made up her mind that Mrs. Forster should pass a day or two in the Lunatic Asylum ; and she felt assured that Mr. Ramsden, through whose assistance her intention must be accomplished, would not venture to dispute her wishes. Her father, with a loud Ha, ha, ha ! proposed that Mr. Spinney should appear as a ghost by the bedside of Mrs, THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 51 Forster, wrapped up in a sheet, with a He, he, he ! and that thus the diversion should end; but this project was overruled by Mr. Spinney, who protested that nothing should induce him again to trust himself, with a He, he, he ! in the presence of Mrs. Forster. Ramsden, although well acquainted with Dr. Beddington, who had charge of the asylum, was not sure that he would be pleased with their freak, and earnestly dissuaded his intended from proceeding any further. " It is useless to argue, my dear George, I am Quixote enough to revenge the injuries of those who have been forced to sub- mit to her temper ; and moreover I hope to effect a cure. Despe- rate diseases, you must be aware as a medical man, require desperate remedies. I consider that a termagant and a lunatic are during their paroxysms on a par, as rational behaviour in either party may be considered as a lucid interval. Let her, if it be only for one hour, witness herself reflected in the various distorted mirrors of perverted mind ; and if she has any conscience whatever, good will spring from evil. I joined this plot from a love of mischief; but I carry it on from a feel- ing that favourable results will be produced." *'But, my dear Fanny " " I will have it so, Ramsden, so don't attempt to dissuade me ; we are not married yet, and I must not be thwarted in my short supremacy. Surely you ought not to be displeased at my desire to * tame a shrew.' I give a fair promise not to fall into an error which I so ardently detest : now, send for the chaise, write a letter to Dr. Beddington, and leave me to arrange with Mrs. Forster. '* Ramsden, like many others, when teased by a pretty woman, consented against his will ; he wrote a letter to Dr. Beddington, explaining circumstances, and requesting his pardon for the liberty which he had been persuaded to take. Miss Dragwell, as soon as the letter was sealed, put on her bonnet, and taking Mr. Ramsden's servant with her, stepped into the chaise, and drove to the house of Mr. Nicholas Forster. She found Mrs. Forster squatted on the bed in her ludicrous attire, awaiting her return with impatience. " Oh ! Mrs. Forster, I have had such trouble, such difficulty; but Mr. Ramsden has been persuaded at last. There is a 52 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, letter to Dr. Beddington, and Mr. Ramsden's servant is in the chaise at the door : the sooner you are off the better ; the people are so outrageous, and call you such shocking names." *'Do they?" replied Mrs. Forster, whose wrath kindled at the information. *' Yes, indeed ; and that wretch Betsy declares that she'll put the rope over your neck with her own hands." "Does she?" cried Mrs. Forster, her eyes twinkling with rage. *'Yes; and your husband, your foolish husband, says that he'll be able to make his improvement in the duplex, now that you'll be hanged." "He does, does he?" replied Mrs. Forster, catching her breath, and grinding her teeth as she jumped off the bed. " Now, my dear Mrs. Forster, it's no use minding what they say ; all you have to do is to escape as soon as possible ; the magistrate's warrant may arrive this minute, and then it will be too late ; so come down at once : — how lucky that you have escaped ! it must be a dreadful thing to be hanged ! " This last remark, always brought forward by Miss Dragwell when she had a point to carry, induced Mrs. Forster to hasten downstairs to the post-chaise, which she found already occu- pied by Mr. Ramsden's servant. As soon as she entered, it was driven off with speed in the direction already communi- cated to the ] ost-boy. We shall have the town of Overton to recover its quiet, — for such a bustle had not occurred for many years, — and Miss Dragwell to exult in the success of her plot, while we follow Mrs. Forster to her new quarters. The chaise rattled on, — Mr. Ramsden's servant crouching in a corner, as far as possible from Mrs. Forster, evidently about as well pleased widi his company as one would be in a pitfall with a tiger. At last it stopped at the door of the Lunatic Asylum, and the post-boy dismounting from his reeking horses, pulled violently at a large bell, which answered with a most lugubrious tolling, and struck awe into the breast of Mrs. Forster. When the door was opened, Mr. Ramsden's servant alighted, and went in to deliver his letter to the doctor. The doctor was not at home ; he had obtained his furlough of three The merci/ant service, g3 weeks, and was very busy with his fishing-rod some thirty miles distant ; but the keepers were in attendance, and, as Mr. Ramsden's servant stated the insanity of Mrs. Forster, and that she had been sent there by his master, they raised no objections to her reception. In a few minutes the servant re- appeared with two keepers, who handed Mrs. Forster out of the chaise, and conducted her to a receiving- room, where Mrs. Forster waited some minutes in expectation of the appearance of Dr. Beddington. In the meantime, Mr. Ramsden's servant, having no further communication to make, left the letter for Dr. Beddington, and returned in the chaise to Overton^ After a quarter of an hour had elapsed, Mrs. Forster inquired of one of the keepers, who had, much to her annoy- ance, taken a chair close to her, whether the doctor intended to come. "He'll come by-and-by, good woman. How do you feel yourself now?" "Very cold — very cold, indeed," replied Mrs. Forster, shivering. " That's what the poor brutes always complain of — aren't it, Jim?" observed another keeper, who had just entered. "Where be we to stow her?" " I sent Tom to get No. 14 ready." " Why, you don't think that I'm mad ! " cried Mrs. Forster with terror. "So, softly — so — so," said the keeper next to her, patting her, as he would soothe a fractious child. The violence of Mrs. Forster, when she discovered that she was considered as a lunatic, fully corroborated to the keepers the assertion of Mr. Ramsden's servant ; but we must not dwell upon the scene which followed. After an ineftectual struggle, Mrs. Forster found herself locked up in No. 14, and left to her own reflections. The previous scenes which had occurred, added to the treatment v/hich she received in the asylum, caused such excitement, that, before the next morning, she was seized with a brain fever, and raved as loudly in her delirium as any of the other unfortunate inmates there incarcerated. 54: NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER IX. ** Who by repentance is not satisfied , Is not of heaven or earth; for these are pleased; By penitence the EternaVs wrath's appeased.''^ — Shakspear6. Mr. Ramsden's servant returned to Overton, stating that the doctor was not at home, but that he had left Mrs. Forster and the letter. The time that Dr. Beddington was to be absent had not been mentioned by the keepers ; and Mr. Ramsden, imagining that the doctor had probably gone out for the even- ing, made no further inquiries, as he intended, in a day or two, to call and bring Mrs. Forster back to her own house. On the third day of her removal he set off for the asylum ; and when he discovered the situation of Mrs. Forster, he bitterly repented that he had been persuaded to a step which threatened such serious results. To remove her was impossible ; to assert to the keepers that she was in sound mind, would have been to com- mit himself; he therefore withdrew his letter to Dr. Bedding- ton, who was not expected home for a fortnight, and with a heavy heart returned to Overton. Miss Dragwell was as much shocked when she was informed of the unfortunate issue of her plot ; and made a resolution, to which she adhered, never to be guilty of another practical joke. In the meantime Newton Forster had made every despatch, and returned to Overton with the cargo of shingle a few days after his mother's incarceration. He had not been ten minutes on shore before he was made acquainted with the melancholy history of her (supposed) madness and removal to the asylum. He hastened home, where he found his father in a profound melancholy; he received Newton with a flood of tears, and appeared to be quite lost in his state of widowhood. The next morning Newton set off to the asylum, to ascertain the condi- tion of his mother. He was admitted ; found her stretched upon a bed, in a state of delirium, raving in her fever, and unconscious of his presence. The frenzy of his mother being substantiated by what he had witnessed, and by the assurances of the keepers, to whom he made a present of half his small finances, to induce them to treat her with kindness, Newton returned to Overton, where he remained at home shut up with THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 55 his father. In a few days notice was given by the town-crier, that the remaining stock of Mr. Nicholas Forster, optician, was to be disposed of by pubhc auction. The fact was, that Nicholas Forster, like many other husbands, although his wife had been a source of constant annoyance, had become so habituated to her, that he was miserable now that she was gone. Habit is more powerful than even love ; and many a married couple continue to live comfortably to- gether long after love has departed, from this most binding of all human sensations. Nicholas determined to quit Overton ; and Newton, who perceived that his father's happiness was at stake, immediately acquiesced in his wish. When Nicholas Forster resolved to leave the town where he had so long resided, he had no settled plans for the future ; the present idea to remove from the scene connected with such painful associations, was all which occupied his thoughts. Newton, who presumed that his father had some arranged plan, did not attempt to awaken him from his profound melancholy, to inquire inio his intentions ; and Nicholas had never given the subject one moment of his thought. When all was ready, Newton inquired of his father, in what manner he intended they should travel? — " Why, outside the coach will be the cheapest, Newton ; and we have no money to spare. You had better take our places to-night.'* " To what place, father ? " inquired Newton. " Fm sure I don't know, Newton," replied Nicholas, as if just awoke. This answer produced a consultation ; and after many pros and coiis^ it was resolved that Nicholas should proceed to Liverpool, and settle in that town. The sloop commanded by Newton was found defective in the stern port; and, as it would take some litde time to repair her, Newton had obtained leave for a few days to accompany his father on his journey. The trunk picked up at sea, being too cumbrous, was deposited with the articles of least value, in the charge of Mr. Drjgwell ; the remainder was taken away by Newton, until he could find a more secure place for their deposit. On their arrival at Liver- pool, with little money and no friends, Nicholas rented a small shop; and Newton having extended his leave of absence to the furthest, that he might contribute to his father's comfort, re- 56 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, turned to Overton, to resume the command of the sloop. The first object was to call at the asylum, where he was informed that his mother was much less violent, but in so weak a state that he could not be admitted. Doctor Beddington had not returned ; but a medical gentleman, who had been called in during his absence, stated to Newton, that he had no doubt if his mother should recover from her present state of exhaustion, that her reason would be restored. Newton returned to Over- ton with a lightened heart, and the next day sailed in the sloop for Bristol. Contrary winds detained him more than a fortnight on his passage. On his arrival, his cargo was not ready, and Newton amused himself by walking about the town and its environs. At last his cargo was on board ; and Newton, who was most anxious to ascertain the fate of his mother, made all haste to obtain his clearance and other papers from the Custom- house. It w^as late in the evening before he had settled with the house to which the sloop had been consigned ; but, as the wind and tide served, and there was a bright moon, he resolved to weigh that night. With his, papers carefully buttoned in his coat, he was proceeding to the boat at the jetty, when he was seized by two men, who rushed upon him from behind. He hardly had time to look round to ascertain the cause, when a blow on the head stretched him senseless on the ground. Now, my readers may probably feel some little distress at the misfortune of Newton, and have some slight degree of curiosity to know the grounds of this severe treatment. I, on the contrary, am never more pleased than when I find my principal character in a state of abeyance, and leave him so with the greatest indifference, because it suits my convenience. I have now an opportunity of returning to Mrs. Forster, or any other of the parties who act a subordinate part in my narrative; and, as Newton is down on the ground, and hors de combat^ why, there let him lie until I want him again. Doctor Beddington returned home long before the recovery of Mrs. Forster from her severe attack. As it may be presumed, he found her perfectly rational; but still he had no doubt of the assertions of his keepers, that she was insane at the time that she was sent to the asylum by Mr. Ramsden. The latter gentleman kept aloof until the issue of Mrs. Forster's malady should be ascertained : if she recovered, it was his intention to THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 57 call upon Doctor Beddington and explain the circumstances; if she died, he had determined to say nothing about it Mrs. Forster's recovery was tedious ; her mind was loaded with anxiety, and, what was infinitely more important, with deep remorse. The supposed death of Mr. Spinney had been occa- sioned by her violence, and she looked forward with alarm, as great as the regret with which she looked back upon her former behaviour. When she called to mind her unfeeling conduct towards her husband, — the many years of bitterness she had created for him, — her infraction of the marriage vow, — the solemn promise before God to love, honour, and obey, daily and hourly violated, — her unjust hatred of her only son, — her want of charity towards others, — all her duties neglected, — s'.vayed only by selfish and malignant passions, — with bitter tears of contrition and self-abasement, she acknowledged that her punishment was just. With streaming eyes, with sup- plicating hands and bended knees, she implored mercy and forgiveness of Him to whom appeal is never made in vain. Passion's infuriate reign was over — her heart was changed ! To Doctor Beddington she made neither complaint nor explanation. All she wished was to quit the asylum as soon as she was restored to health, and prove to her husband, by her future conduct, the sincerity of her reformation. When she became convalescent, by the advice of Doctor Beddington, she walked in a garden appropriated for the exercise of the more harmless inmates of the asylum, The first day that she went out she sat down upon a bench near to the keepers who were watching those who were permitted to take the air and exercise, and overheard their discourse, which referred to herself. " Why, what was it as made her mad — d'ye know, Tom ? '^ " They say she's been no better all her life," replied the other; "a rat would not live in the house with her: at last, in one of her tantrums, she nearly murdered old Spinney, the clerk at Overton. The report went out that he was dead ; and conscience, I suppose, or summut of that kind, run av/ay with her senses." " Oh, he warn't killed then ? '' " No, no : I seed him and heard him too, Sunday 'fore last, when I went to call upon old father ; I was obligated to go to church, the old gemman's so remarkable particular." 58 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, "And whafs become of her husband, and that handsome yomig chap, her son ? " ^' I don't know, nor nobody else either. The old man, who was as worthy an old soul as ever breathed (more shame to the old faggot, for the life she led him !) grew very unhappy and melancholy, and would not stay in the place: they disposed of everything, and both went away together ; but nobody knows where the old man is gone to.'^ " And the young 'un ? ^^ " Oh, he came back and took command of the sloop. He was here twice, to see how his mother was. Poor lad ! it was quite pitiful to see how unhappy he was about the old catamaran. He give me and Bill a guinea apiece, to be kind to her ; but, about three days back, the sloop came into the harbour without him : they suppose that he fell off the jetty at Bristol and was drowned, for he was seen coming down to the boat ; and, a'ter that, they never heard no more about him.'^ " Well, but Tom, the old woman's all right now? '* ^* Yes, she's right enough ; but where be her husband, and where be her son ? she'll never plague them any more, that's pretty sartain.^' The feelings of Mrs. Forster at the^f/z^^/^of this discourse are not easy to be portrayed. One heavy load was off her mind — Mr. Spinney was not dead ; but how much had she also to lament ? She perceived that she had been treacherously kid- napped by those who detested her conduct, but had no right to inflict the punishment. The kind and feeUng conduct of her husband and of her son, — the departure of the one, and supposed death of the other, were blows which nearly overwhelmed her. She tottered back to her cell in a state of such extreme agita- tion, as to occasion a return of fever, and for many days she was unable to quit her bed. THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 59 CHAPTER X. ** When Britain first at Heaven^ s command Arose from out the azure main. This was the charter, the charier of the land. And guardian anoels sung the strain, — Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves. For Britons never shall be slaves y We left Newton Forster senseless on the pavement leading to the quay at Bristol, floored by a rap on the head from a certain person or persons unknown : he did not, however, remain there long, being hoisted on the shoulders of two stout fellows, dressed in blue jackets and trowscrs, with heavy clubs in their hands, and a pistol X'jmg perdu between their waistcoats and shirts. These nautical personages tumbled him into the stern- sheets of a boat, as if not at all sorry to rid themselves of his weight ; and, in a continued state of insensibility, Newton was hoisted up the side of a cutter which lay at anchor about one hundred yards from the shore. When Newton recovered his senses, his swimming eyes could just enable him to perceive that something flashed upon them, and in their weak state created a painful sensation. As he became more collected, he discovered that a man was hold- ing a small candle close to them, to ascertain whether the vein which had been opened in his arm had produced the desired effect of restoring him to animation. Newton tried to recollect where he was, and what had occurred; but the attempted exercise of his mental powers was too much, and again threw him into a state of stupor. At last he awoke as if from a dream of death, and looking round, found himself lying on the deck attended by a female, who bathed his forehead. " Where am I ? " exclaimed Newton. "Is it where you are that you'd wan't for to know : a'nt ye on board of the Lively cutter, sure ? and a'nt you between decks in her, and I looking a'ter ye, honey ? " *' And who are you ? " " And who am I ! Then, if I'm not somebody else, I'm Judy Malony, the wife of the boatswain's mate, and a lawful married woman." 6o NEWTOI^ F0RS7'ER; OR, " How did I come here ? " continued Newton, raising himself on his elbow. " You didn't come at all, honey, you were brought." *'Who brought me?'* " Who brought ye ! it was either the gig or the jolly-boat ; but I wasn't on deck at the time, so I can't upon my oath say exactly which." " Then, pray can you tell me why I was brought here?-' replied Newton. " Sure I can guess, bating you don't know already. It was to sarve your king and your country, like a brave volunteer as you are." " Then I'm impressed ? " " You may take your Bible oath of it, my jewel, and commit no perjury. It's a hard rap that ye got, anyhow ; just a hint that ye were wanted : but plase God, if ye live and do well, 'twill be nothing at all to what ye'll have by-and-by, all for the honour and glory of Ould England." Newton, who during these remarks was thinking of his father's situation, and the distress he would suffer without his assistance, and then of the state in which he had left his mother, again sank on the deck. " Why, he's off again ! " muttered Judy Malony ; '^ he's no countryman of mine, that's clear as the mud in the Shannon, or he'd never fuss about a rap with a shillelah ; " and Judy, lifting up her petticoats first, gained her feet, and walked away forward. Newton remained in a state of uneasy slumber until daylight, when he was awakened by the noise of boats coming along- side, and loud talking on deck. All that had passed did not immediately rush into his mind ; but his arm tied up with the bandage, and his hair matted, and his face stiff with the coagu- lated blood, soon brought to his recollection the communication of Judy Malony, that he had been impressed. The 'tweeu decks of the cutter appeared deserted, unless indeed there were people in the hammocks slung over his head ; and Newton, anxious to obtain further information, crawled under the ham- mocks to the ladder, and went up on deck. About twenty sailors, well armed, were busy handing out of the boats several men whom they had brought on board, who THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 6l were ordered aft by the officer in command. Newton perceived that most of them had not received much better treatment than he had on the preceding evening ; some were shockingly dis- figured, and were still bleeding profusely. " How many have you altogether, Mr. Vincent ? " said the lieutenant to a stout master's mate with a tremendous pair of whiskers, which his loose handkerchief discovered to join to- gether at his throat. "Seventeen, sir." " And how many had we before ? — twenty-six, I think." " Twenty-seven, sir, with the young chap I sent on board last night." "Well, that will do ;'it's quite as many as we can stow away, or take care of: — pass them all down below, forward ; take up the ladder, and put on the grating till we are out of the harbour. As soon as the jolly-boat comes on board we'll up anchor.'* " She'll be off directly, sir \ I ordered her to wait for Johnson and Merton, who did not come down with us." " Do you think they have given you the slip ? " " I should think not, sir. Here is the jolly-boat coming off." " Well, pass the men forward, and secure them," replied the lieutenant. " Overhaul the boat's falls, and bring to with the windlass." Newton thought this a good opportunity to state that he was the master of a vessel, and, as such, protected from the impress ; he therefore walked over to the lieutenant, and addressing him, " I beg your pardon, sir " " Who are you ? " interrupted the lieutenant, gruffly. " I was impressed last night, sir ; — may I speak to you ? " " No, sir, you may not." " It might save you some trouble, sir " " It will save me more to send you down below. Mr. Vin- cent, shove this man down forward ; why is he at large ? " " He was under the doctor's hands, I believe, sir. Come this way, my hearty stir your stumps." Newton would have expostulated, but he was collared by two of the press-gang, and very unceremoniously handed for- ward to the hatchway ; the grating was taken off, and he was lowered down to the deck below, where he found himself cooped up with more than forty others, almost suffocated for 62 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, the want of air and space. The conversation (if conversation it could be called) was nothing but one continued string of curses and execrations, and vows of deep revenge. The jolly-boat returned, pulling only two oars ; the remainder of her crew, with Thompson and Merton, having taken this opportunity of deserting from their forced servitude. With some hearty execrations upon the heads of the offending parties, and swearing that by G — d there was no such thing as gratitude in a sailor, the commander of the cutter weighed his anchor, and proceeded to sea. The orders received by the lieutenant of the cutter, although not precisely specifying, still implying that he was to bring back his cargo alive, as soon as his Majesty's cutter, Lively^ was fairly out at sea, the hatches were taken off, and the impressed men allowed to go on deck in the proportion of about one half at a time, two sailors, with drawn cutlasses, still remaining sentry at the coombings of the hatchway, in case of any dis- contented fellow presuming to dispute such lawful authority. Newton Forster was happy to be once more on deck ; so much had he suffered during his few hours of confinement, that he really felt grateful for the indulgence. The sky was bright, and the cutter was dashing along the coast with the wind, two points free, at the rate of seven or eight miles an hour. She was what sailors term rather a wet one, and as she plunged through the short waves the sea broke continually over her bows and chesstree, so that there was no occasion to draw water for purification. Newton washed his face and head and felt quite revived as he inhaled the fresh breeze, and watched the coast as the vessel rapidly passed each headland in her course. All around him were strangers, and no one appeared inclined to be communicative ; even the most indifferent, the most stoical, expressed their ideas in disjointed sentences ; they could not but feel that their projects and speculations had been overthrown by a captivity so anomalous with their boasted birthright. ** Where are we going?" inquired Newton of a man who stood next him, silently watching the passing foam created by the rapid course of the vessel. " To hell I hope, with those who brought us hereT^ replied the man, grinding his teeth with a scowl of deep revenge. At this moment Judy Malony came pattering along the wet THE I\:ERCHAM SEKVICE, 63 deck wiih a kid of potato-peelings to throw over the bows. Newton recognised her, and thanked her for her kindness. " It's a nice boy, that you are, sure enough, now that you're swate and clean," replied Judy. " Bad luck to the rapparee who gave you the blow ! I axed my husband if it was he ; but he swears upon his salvation that it was no one if it wasn't Tim O'Connor, the baste ! " '' Where are we going?" inquired Newton. ''A'nt we going to dinner in a minute or two ? " " I mean where is the cutter bound to ? " " Oh ! the cutter you mane ! If she can only find her way, it's to Plymouth, sure; — they're waiting for ye." " Who is waiting for us ? " " Why, three fine frigates as can't go to sea without hands. You never heard of a ship going to sea without hands ; the poor dumb craturs can't do nothing by themselves." " Do you know where the frigates are going? " *' Going to say^ I lay my life on't," replied Judy, who then, walked forward, and broke up the conversation. The next morning the cutter ran into Hamoaze, and boats were sent on board to remove the impressed men to the guard- ship. There, much to his annoyance and mortification, Newton found that, with the others, he was treated as a close prisoner. The afternoon of the same day another vessel arrived from the eastward with a collection of offenders, who for a variety of crimes and misdemeanours had been sentenced to serve on board of a man-of-war. No distinction was made ; all were huddled together, and treated alike, until summoned on the quarter-deck, when their names were called out for distribution to the several men-of-war. Each ship having a quota of sea- men and pickpockets allotted to her in due proportion, the men were ordered down into the boats ; and in less than an hour Newton found himself on board of a fine frigate lying in the Sound, with her fore-top-sail loose, as a signal of her imme- diate departure. 64 NEWTON I'ORSTER; OR, CHAPTER XI. ** Tis viands hold task the getCrous strife to try. But in the hands of God is victory.'''' — Iliad. Newton, and the other men who had been selected for t he frigate, on board of which they had been despatched (victualled the day discharged), were mustered on the quarter-deck by the first-lieutenant, who asked them the questions, whether they were bred to the sea, and could take the helm and lead. Having noted down their answers, he stationed them accord- ingly, and they were dismissed. Newton would again have appealed, but on reflection thought it advisable to await the arrival of the captain. Beds and blankets were not supplied that evening : the boats were hoisted up, sentries on the gang- ways supplied with ball-cartridges to prevent desertion, and permission granted to the impressed men to ^^ prick for the softest plank '^^ which they could find for their night's repose. At daylight the hands were turned up, the capstern manned, the frigate unmoored, and hove " short stay a peak " on her anchor remaining down. The gig -was sent on shore with two midshipmen, one to watch the men and prevent their desertion, while the other v/ent up to the captain's lodgings to report her arrival, the topsails were loosed, sheeted home, and hoisted, the yards braced by, and Newton to his sorrow perceived that the captain's arrival would be the signal for immediate departure. The signal-man, on the look-out with his glass, reported the gig coming off with the captain ; and in obedience to the orders he had received, the first-lieutenant immediately hove up, and the anchor having been *' catted and fished," the frigate lay-to in the Sound. As soon as the boat came alongside, and the captain had been received with the customary honours, he desired sail to be made on her as soon as the boat was ho sted up, and then descended to his cabin. In three minutes New- ton perceived that all chance of release for the present was over ; the courses and top-gallant sails were set, and the frigate darted past the Ram Head at the rate of ten miles per hour. In about twenty minutes, after the messenger had been stowed away, the cables coiled in the tiers, and the ropes flemished down on deck, the captain made his appearance, * In a few minutes they were all three again on board, and in safety.' THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 65 and directed the first-lieutenant to send aft the newly-impressed men. In few words he pointed out to them the necessity of their servitude; and concluded by recommending them to enter his Majesty's service, and receive the bounty to which they would become entitled ; observing, that the men who did so would raise themselves in his good opinion, and as far as he had the power, would not be forgotten by him, provided that their general good conduct merited his favour. Some few accepted the terms, but the most of them positively refused. When Newton was addressed, he stated to the captain that he was master of a vessel, and exempted by law from the impress. " It is easy to assert that," observed the captain ; " but where are your proofs ? your youth almost denies what you affirm." " There are my papers, sir, my clearance from the Custom- house, and my bill of lading, which I had in my pocket, in- tending to sail a few minutes after the time that I was impressed." " I observe," replied the captain, examining the papers, " they appear to be all correct. What is your name ? '' *' Newton Forster." " Then this is your signature?" "• It is, sir.'' ** Mr. Pittson, desire the clerk to bring up a pen and ink." The clerk made his appearance. " Now, sign your name." Newton obeyed, and his signature was compared with that on the bill of lading, by the captain and first-lieutenant. "Why did you not mention this before?" continued the captain. ^' I attempted several times, but was not permitted to speak." Newton then stated how he had been treated when impressed, and afterwards by the officer commanding the cutter. " You certainly were exempted from the impress, if what you state is true ; and I believe it so to be," replied the captain. " It is a hard case ; but what can I do ? Here we are at sea, and likely to remain on a cruise of several months. You cannot expect to eat the bread of idleness on board of a man-of-war. You will do your duty wherever you are stationed. There is no disgrace in serving his Majesty in any capacity. I tell you candidly, that although I would not have impressed you myself, I am very glad that I have you on board ; I wish F 6^ NEWTON FORSTER; OR, . I had fifty more of the same sort, instead of the sweephigs of the gaols, which I am obUged to mix up with prime seamen.'* *' Perhaps, sir, you will have the kindness to send me back by the first homeward-bound vessel? " *' No, that I cannot do ; you are on the ship's books, and the case must be referred to the Admiralty on our return : that it will be my duty to attend to, upon your application; ■but I hope before that you will have entered into his Majesty's service." " And in the meantime my poor father may starve," said Newton, with a sigh, not addressing those around him, but giving utterance to his thoughts. The captain turned away, and paced the quarter-deck with the first-lieutenant. At last he was overheard to say, ^' It's a very hard case, certainly. Forster, can you navigate ? " con- tinued the captain, addressing Newton. " Yes, sir, I can work up a dead reckoning, and take the sun's altitude." " Very well, that will do. Mr. Pittson, you may dismiss them. Are they put into messes ? " '' All, sir.'' " It's twelve o'clock, sir," said the master, touching his hat, with his quadrant in his hand. " Make it so, and pipe to dinner." Newton was stationed in the foretop. In a few days the awkwardness arising from the novelty of the scene, and from the superior dimensions of every variety of equipment on board of the frigate, compared to the small craft to which he had been accustomed, passed away. The order which w^as exacted to preserve discipline, the precision with which the time was regulated, the knowledge of the duty allotted to him, soon made him feel that no more was exacted than what could easily be performed, and that there was no hardship in serving on board of a man-of-war; the only hardship was, the manner in which he had been brought there. Although he often sighed as he thought of his father and mother, he did his duty cheerfully, and was soon distinguished as a most promising young sailor. Captain Northfleet was a humane and good ofiicer, and his first-lieutenant followed in his steps, and equally deserved the THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 67 character. Before the ship's company had been six weeks together, they were in a tolerable state of discipline; and proved such to be the case, by acknowledging that they were happy. This, added to the constant excitement of chasing and capturing the vessels of the enemy with the anticipation of prize-money, soon made most of those who had been im- pressed, forget what had occurred, or cease to lament it as a hardship. The continual exercise of the guns was invariably followed up by a general wish that they might fall in with an enemy of equal force, to ascertain whether such constant drill- ing had been thrown away upon them. The Terpsichoi-e received supplies of provisions and water from other ships, and for nine months continued a successful cruise. Several prizes had already been captured, and sent home to England. The complement of the frigate was materially re- duced by so many absentees, although some of her men had been brought out to her by other vessels, when a strange sail Was discovered from the mast-head. A few hours sufficed to bring the swift Ta'psichore alongside of the stranger, who first hoisted, and then immediately hauled down the tricoloured flag in token of submission. She proved to be a French brig, bound to the Cape of Good Hope, with ammunition and government stores. The third-lieutenant, and all the mid- shipmen who could navigate, were already away; and this prize proving valuable. Captain Northfleet resolved to send her in. The difficulty relative to a prize-master was removed by the first-lieutenant, who recommended Newton Forster. To this suggestion the captain acceded; and Newton, with five men, and two French prisoners to assist, was put on board of the Esfelle, with written instructions to repair to Plymouth, and, upon his arrival there, deliver up the prize to the agent, and report himself to the admiral. Captain Northfleet also returned to Newton the papers of his sloop, and gave him a letter to the admiral, stating the hardship of his case. At the same time that he informed him of the contents of his letter, he recommended Newton to con- tinue in the service, promising that, if he took the vessel safe into port, he would put him on the quarter-deck, as one of the mates of the frigate. Newton thanked Captain Northfleet for his good intentions ; and, requesting permission to reflect upon 68 NEWTON FORSTER; OR^ his proposal, took his leave, and in a few minutes was on board of the Estelle, There was a buoyancy of spirits in Newton when he once more found himself clear of the frigate. He acknowledged that he had been well treated, and that he had not been un- happy; but still it was emancipation from forced servitude. It is hard to please where there are so many masters ; and petty tyranny will exist, and cause much discontent before it is discovered, even where the best discipline prevails. The imperious behaviour of the young midshipmen, who assume the same despotic sway which is exercised over themselves, as soon as their superiors are out of sight and hearing, was often extremely galHng to Newton Forster, and it frequently required much forbearance not to retort. However in strict justice this might be warranted, discipline would not permit it, and it would have been attended with severe punishment. It was therefore with a feeling of delight that Newton found himself his own master, and watched the hull and canvas of the Tei'p- sic/wre, as they gradually sunk below the horizon. The Estelle was a fine vessel, and her cargo not being all composed of heavy materials, was sufficiently light on the water to sail well. At the time of her capture, they were, by the reckoning of the frigate, about fourteen hundred miles from the Lizard. In a fortnight, therefore, with the wind at all propitious, Newton hoped to set his foot upon his native land. He crowded all the sail which prudence would allow ; and, with the wind upon his quarter, steered his course for England. The men sent with him in the brig consisted of two able seamen, and three of the gang which had been collected from the gaols and brought round from the eastward. Captain Northfleet spared the former, as it was necessary that a part of the crew should be able to steer and navigate the vessel ; the latter, with the sincere hope of never seeing them again, taking it for granted that they would run away as soon as they arrived at Plymouth. With the two prisoners, they were sufficient to work the vessel. During the first ten days the wind was generally in their favour ; and the brig was not far off from the chops of the Channel, when a low raking vessel was perceived bearing down upon them from the N.W. Newton had no glass \ but as the THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 69 neared to within three miles, the vessel wore the appearance of a privateer schooner ; but whether an enemy or not, it was impossible to decide. The Estdle had two small brass guns on her forecastle ; and Newton, to ascertain the nation to which the privateer belonged, hoisted the French ensign and fired a gun. In a minute the privateer hoisted English colours ; but as she continued to bear down upon them, Newton, not feeling secure, rove his studding-sail gear, and made all preparation for running before the wind, which he knew to be the brig's best point of sailing. The privateer had approached to within two miles, when Roberts, one of the seamen, gave his decided opinion that she was a French vessel, pointing out the slight varieties in the rigging and build of the vessel, which would not have been apparent to anyone but a thorough-bred seaman, " We'd better up helm, and get the sail upon her. If she be French, she'll soon show herself by firing at us." Newton was of the same opinion. The brig was put before the wind, and gradually all her canvas was spread. The privateer immediately shook out all her reefs, set her lofty sails, hoisted French colours, and, in a few minutes, a shot whizzed through the rigging of the Estelle^ and pitched into the water ahead of them. " I thought so,'* cried Roberts. " It's a Johnny Crapeau. A starn chase is a long chase, anyhow. The brig sails well, and there aren't more than two hours daylight; so Monsieur must be quick, or we'll give him the slip yet." The privateer was now within a mile of them ; both vessels had " got their way ; " and their respective powers of sailing were to be ascertained. In half an hour the privateer had neared to three-quarters of a mile. ** I think our little guns will soon reach her," observed Newton. " Williams, give me the helm. Go forward with Roberts and the men, and rouse them aft. Be smart, my lads, for she has the heels of us." *'Come along," said Roberts. "You, Collins, why don't you stir ? — do you wish to see the inside of a French prison ? " " No," replied Collins, sauntering forward, " not particularly.' " Only by way of a change, I suppose," observed Thompson, yO NEWTON FORSTER; OR, another of the convicts. "You have been in every gaol in England, to my knowledge— haven't you, Ben ? " *' Mayhap I have," rephed Collins; "but one gentleman should never interfere with the consarns of another. I warn't whipped at the cart-tail, as you were, last Lancaster 'sizes." " No ; but you had a taste of it on board of the TerpsicJiore. Ben, you arn't forgot that?" retorted Hillson, the other of the three characters who had been sent with Newton. In a few minutes the guns were run aft, and the ammunition brought on deck. Newton then gave the helm to William^, and served one gun ; while Roberts took charge of the other. The privateer had continued to near them, and was now within their range. A smart fire was kept up on her, which she returned with her superior metal. After the firing had commenced, the approach of the privateer was in some degree checked. The guns fired from the stern of the Estelle assisted her velocity through the water ; while, on the contrary, the privateer, being obliged to yaw from her course that her guns might bear, and firing from the bow, her impetus was checked. Still the privateer had the advantage in sailing, and slowly neared the brig. " There's no need of your coming aft so close upon us," said Roberts to the two Frenchmen who had been sent on board ; " go forward, and keep out of the way. That 'ere chap is ?Jter mischief; he had his eye upon the anivimition^'' continued the sailor to Newton. " Go forward— d'ye hear? or I'll split your d — d French skull with the handspike." " Don't touch him, Roberts," said Newton. " No, I won't touch him, if he keeps Out of my v/ay. Do you hear ?— go forward ! " cried Roberts to the Frenchman, waving his hand. The Frenchmm answered with a sneer and a smile, and was turning to obey the order, when a shot from the privateer cut him nearly in two. The other Frenchman, who was close to him, made a rapid descent into the cabin. " That was well meant, anyhow," observed Roberts, looking at the dead body ; " but it wasn't meant for him. Shall I toss him overboard ? " " No, no— let him lie. If they capture us, they will perceive it was their own doing." TIIE MERCHANT SER VICE, 71 " Well, then, I'll only haul him into the lee-scuppers, out of the way." Another shot from the privateer passed through the cabin windqws, and went forward into the hold. The French prisoner ran on deck with as much haste as before he had run below. " Ay, it will be your turn next, my cock,'' cried Roberts, who had been removing the body to the gunnel. *'Now, let me try my luck again," and he hastened to his gun. Newton fired before Roberts was ready. The topsail-sheet of the schooner was divided by the shot, and the sail flew out before the yard. "That's a good two cables* length in our favour," cried Roberts. " Now for me." Roberts fired his gun, and was more fortunate ; his shot struck away the fore-top-gallant-mast, while the royal and top-gallant-sail fell before the topsail. " Well done, my little piece of brass!" said Roberts, slapping the gun familiarly on the l3reech; ''only get us out of our scrape, and ril polish you as bright as silver." Whether the gun understood him or not, or, what is more probable, the short distance between the brig and the privateer made it more effective, more mischief took place in the sails and rigging of the schooner. Her topsail-sheet was, however, soon rebent, the sail reset, and her other casualties made good. She ceased firing her long gun, and at dusk had crept up to within a quarter of a mile, and commenced a heavy fire of mus- ketry upon the brig. " This is rather warm work," observed Williams at the helm, pointing to a bullet-hole through his jacket. " Rathei too warm," observed Collins, the convict. "I don't see why we are to risk our lives for our paltry share of prize- money. I vote for hauling down the colours." " Not yet," said Newton, " not yet, my lads. Let us try a few shots more." " Try ! — to be sure," rejoined Roberts; "didn't I say before, that a starn chase was a long one." " That only makes the matter worse," replied Collins ; " for ^\hile we are to be peppered in this way, I think the shorter the chase the better. However, you may do as you please, but I'm not so fond of it ; so here's down below to the fore-peak ! " " Ben, you're a sensible chap, and gives good advice ; we'll just follow you," said Hillson. 72 NEWTON FORSfEk; OR, " Birds of a feather always flock together; so, Ben, iVx of your party," added Thompson. The convicts then descended forward out of the fire of the musketry, while Newton and Roberts continued to load and fire, and Williams steered the brig. The Frenchman had already found his way below again, before the convicts. The schooner was within two cables' length, and the fire of the musketry was most galling ; each of the English seamen had received slight wounds, when, just as it was dark, one of tlie shots from tlie brig proved more effective. The main-boom of the schooner was either cut in two, or so much injured as to oblige them to lower her mainsail. The brig now increased her distance fast, and in a few minutes they lost sight of the schooner in the darkness of the night. "Huzza!" cried Roberts, "didn't I tell you that a starn chase was a long one ? " Not a star was to be seen, the darkness was intense; and Newton consulted with Williams and Roberts as to what was their best plan of proceeding. It was agreed to haul up for a quarter of an hour, then furl all, and allow the privateer to pass them. This was put in execution : the convicts, now that there was no more firing, coming to their assistance. The next morning the weather proved hazy, and the schooner, who had evidently crowded sail in pursuit of them, was nowhere to be seen. Newton and his crew congratulated themselves upon their escape, and again shaped their course for the Channel. The wind would not allow them to keep clear of Ushant ; and two days afterwards they made the French coast near to that island. The next morning they had a slant of wind, which enabled them to lay her head up for Plymouth, and anticipated that in another twenty-four hours they would be in safety. Such, how- ever, was not their good fortune ; about noon a schooner hove in sight to leeward, and it was soon ascertained to be the same vessel from which they had previously escaped. Before dusk she was close to them; and Newton, aware of the impossibility of resistance, hove-to, as a signal of surrender. THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 73 CHAPTER XII. ^^ Misery acquaints a man with strange heSfelloius,'*'' — Shakspeare. As the reader may have before now occasionally heard com- ments upon the uncertainty of the moon and the sea, and also, perhaps of human life, I shall not venture any further remarks upon the subject; for were they even new, I should never have the credit of them. This is certain, that instead of finding themselves, as they anticipated to be in the next twenty-four hours, safely moored in the port of Plymouth, Newton and his comrades found themselves, before that time had elapsed, safely locked up in the prison of Morlaix. But we must not proceed so fast. Although the Esielle had squared her mainyard as a signal of submission, the privateer's men, as they ranged their vessel alongside, thought it advisable to pour in a volley of musketry; this might have proved serious, had it not been that Newton and his crew were all down below, hoping to secure a few changes of linen, which in a prison might prove very useful. As it was, their volley only killed the remaining French prisoner, who remained on deck, overjoyed at the recapture, and anti- cipating an immediate return to his own country ; by which it would appear that the " L hovime pi'opose^ mais Dieu dispose'^ of France, is quite as sure a proverb as the more homely *'Many a slip between the cup and lip" of our own country. The boat of the privateer was sent on board : a dozen men, with their cutlasses flourishing over their heads, leapt on the deck of the Estelle, and found nobody to exercise their valour upon, except the body of their departed comrade ; upon which they shouted for the " Sacre's God dams " to " monter." New- ton and the rest obeyed the summons, with their bundles in their hands; the latter they were soon relieved of by their con- querors, who, to prove that it was not out of ^^ politesse " that they carried their effects, at the same time saluted them with various blows with their cutlasses upon their backs and shoulders. Newton, who felt that resistance would only be an excuse for further aggression, bore with philosophy what he could not prevent, and hastened into the boat. The convicts also took their share with patience— they had been accustomed 74 NEWTON HORSIER; OR, to " many stripes/* Roberts and Williams, in spite of the remonstrances of Newton, with all the reckless spirit of English sailors, would not submit so quietly. The first object which attracted Roberts' attention, as he came up the ladder, w^as the body of the remaining French prisoner. " What ! Johnny, so you're gone ! Didn't I tell you that your turn would come next ? I say, my hearties, you keep all your bullets for your friends," continued Roberts, addressing the privateer's men. A few " sacres'* and " f s" was the reply, as one of them attempted to twitch his bundle out of his hand. — " Hold fast there, old chap, don't take w^hat you never paid for.'^ A scuffle now ensued; which ended in Roberts, who found that he could not retain possession, shying his bundle at the foremost man, with such force as to lay him on the deck. — " Well, if you will have it, take it," cried Roberts. " The beggars have chopped my fingers," growled Williams. " I say, Mounseer, don't make quite so free with that iron of yours, or I'll smash your top-lights." " I wish I had three on 'em on Point Beach, one up and one down. I'd sarve you out, you d — d frog-eating sea-cooks !" said Roberts, squaring at the privateer's men with clenched fists. This obstreperous conduct produced a shower of blows with the backs of the cutlasses. Williams, in a rage, wrenched a cutlass from one of the Frenchmen, and laid about him ; while Roberts, with his fistS, rushed within their guards, and laid two of them at his feet. At last they were overpowered and thrown into the boat, bleeding profusely from various cuts which they had received in the unequal scuffle. The privateer's people then shoved off, and rowed on board of the schooner. As soon as Newton and the other Englishmen were up the side, they w^ere pushed aft ; their persons were then searched, and every part of their apparel, which appeared to be of good materials, or little worn, was taken from them. Collins, the convict, was a good prize ; he had put on shirt over shirt, stocking over stocking, and trousers over trousers, that the Frenchmen began to wonder if ever they should arrive at the "inner man." At last, he was uncased, an old pair of trousers thrown to him, and he was left without any other garment, THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 75 shivering in the cold. Newton, who still retained his waistcoat and shirt, took off the former, and gave it to the convict, who whispered as he thanked him, *' I don't care a fig, they have left me my old hat." As soon as the recapture was manned, the privateer bore up for the French coast, and before morning anchored in the rocky harbour of Morlaix. At daylight, the prisoners, w^ho had received no refreshment, were handed into a boat, and on their landing, conducted by a party oi gendarmes to the prison. During their progress to their place of confine- ment, Collins excited the amusement of the bystanders, and the surprise of his fellow-prisoners, by walking with his hands and arms raised in a certain position. After they had been locked up, he went to the barred window, and continued the same gestures to the people who were crowded about the prison, most of whom continued their mockery. Newton, who came forward to the window to request a little water for Roberts and Williams, who wished to quench their thirst and wash their Avounds, which had not been dressed, inquired of Collins his reasons for so doing. *' It is for your benefit as well as mine," replied Collins. " At least I hope so. There are freemasons in all countries." A few minutes afterwards, one of the people outside came forward, and pointed out to the sentry that the prisoners were making signs for water. The gendarme, who paid no attention to Newton, listened to the appeal of his countryman, who, upon the grounds of common humanity, persuaded him to allow them such a necessary boon. The water was brought, and, as the man walked away, a sign, unperceived by all but Collins, gave him to understand that his appeal had been understood. "All's right," said Collins to Newton, as he quitted the grating. " We have friends without, and we h:x\Q friends with- in." In about an hour some bread was brought in, and among those who brought it Collins perceived tlie person who had answered his signal ; but no further recognition took place. At noon the door of the prison was again unbarred, and a surgeon came to dress the wounded men. He was accom- panied by two or three others, deputed by the governor of the town to obtain intelligence, and the new acquaintance of Collins appeared as interpreter. While the surgeon dressed the wounds of Roberts and Williams, which, although numerous, were none ^(i NEWTON FORSTER; OR, of any importance, many questions were asked, and taken down when interpreted. Each prisoner was separately interrogated ; Collins was one of the first examined. The questions put and answers given were carefully intermixed with more important matter. The person who acted as interpreter spoke English too well for a Frenchman : apparently he was a Dane or Russian, who was domiciliated there. He commenced with — " No one understands English but me — but they are suspi- cious: be careful. — What is your name? " " John Collins.'^ " Comment? " said the French amanuensis, "John Co— hn. Ccst bienj continicezJ' " What is your rank — and in your Lodge f " " Common seaman — master^^^ answered Collins, adroitly. " Comment ? '' said the party with his pen. " Matelot,'' replied the interpreter. " Demandez-lui le nom du batiment." " What is the name of your ship ? — ho7v can we assist you /" " Terpsichore — a boat, with provisions" " Comment ? '' " Fregate croiseur Terpsichore.^^ " Does she sail well ? — at what time f '* " To nighty 7vith a guide '^ " Que dit-il ? " " Elle marche bien avec le vent large." ** Demandez-lui la force." " What number of guns ? — how can you get out f " " Thirty-six. — / have the means,^^ "Trente-six canons." "Trente-six canons," repeated the Frenchman, writing; "c'estbien — alors, Fequipage." " How many men ? — / will he here at dark." "Two hundred and seventy men; but many away in prizes." " Deux cents soixante-dix hommes d'equipage ; mais il y a beaucoup dans les batimens pris." Newton and the others were also interrogated, the names taken down, and the party then quitted the prison. " Now, if we make a push for it, I think we may get off," said Collins to Newton and the rest, after the door had closed. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 7 7 "I never saw the prison in England which could hold me when I felt inclined to walk out of it ; and as for their bars, I reckon them at about an hour's work. I never travel without my little friends ; *' and Collins, taking off his old hat, removed the lining, and produced a variety of small saws made from watch-springs, files, and other instruments. "Then," continued he, " widi these, and this piece of tallow stuck outside my hat, I will be through those bars in no time. French iron ar'nt worth a d — n, and the j:entry shan't hear me if he lolls against them ; although it may be just as well if Thompson tips a stave, as then we may work the faster. '' " I say. Bill," observed Hillson, " who is your friend ? '' " I don*t know — he may be the governor ; but this I do know, for the honour of freemasonry, we may trust him and all like him ; so just mind your own business, Tom." " He said he would be here at dark," observed Newton. " Yes, — I must prepare — go to the grating some of you, that they may not look in upon me." This unexpected prospect of deliverance created an anxious joy in the prisoners ; the day appeared interminable. At last, the shades of night set in, and a clouded sky, with mizzling rain, raised their hopes. The square in front of the prison was deserted, and the sentinel crouched close against the door, which partially protected him from the weather. In a few minutes a person was heard in conversation with the sentinel. " He must be coming now," observed Collins, in a low tone ; "that must ^ be one of his assistants who is taking off the attention of the gendarme.^* " Make no noise," said a voice in a whisper, at the outside of the bars. " I am here," replied Collins, softly. " How can you get out of the prison ? " " Get the sentry out of the way when we leave off singing ; the bars will then be removed." " Everything is prepared outside. When you get out, keep close under the wall to the right. I shall be at the corner, if 1 am not here." The freemason then retired from the grating. " Now, Thompson, not too loud, there's no occasion for it ; two of us can work." 7^ ^^ IVTOiV FORS TER ; OR, Thompson commenced his song; Newton took a small saw from Collins, who directed him how to use it. The iron bars of the prison yielded hke wood to the fine-tempered instruments which Collins employed. In an hour and a half three of the bars were removed without noise, and the aperture was wide enough for their escape. The singing of Thompson, whose voice was tolerably good, and ear very correct, had not only the effect of preventing their w^orking being heard, but amused the sentinel, who remained with his back to the wall listening to the melody. Their work w^as so far accomplished. Thompson ceased, and all v/as silence and anxiety ; in a few minutes the sentinel was again heard in conversation, and the voices receded, as if he had removed to a greater distance. '' Now, brother,^' said the low voice under the aperture. In a minute the whole of the prisoners were clear of the walls, and followed their guide in silence, until they reached the landing-place. *' There is the boat, and provisions sufficient,'' said the free- mason, in a low tone ; *' you will have to pass the sentries on the rocks : but we can do no more for you. Farewell, brother; and may you and your companions be fortunate ! " So saying, their friendly assistant disappeared. The night was so dark, that although close to the boat, it w^as with difficulty that its outline could be discerned. ^ Newton, recommending the strictest care in entering, stepped' into it, and was followed by the rest. Roberts, whose eyesight was a little affected from the w^ounds in his head, stumbled over one of the oars. *^ Qui vivef^^ cried out one of the sentries on the rock. No answer was made ; they all remained motionless in their seats. The sentry walked to the edge of the rock and looked down ; but not distinguishing anything, and hearing no further noise, returned to his post. For some little time Newton w^ould not allow them to move : the oars were then carefully lifted over the gunnel, and their clothes laid in the rowlocks, to muffle the sound ; the boat was pushed from the landing-place into the middle of the narrow inlet. The tide was ebbing, and with their oars raised out of the water, ready to give way if perceived, they allowed the boat THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 79 to drift out of one of the narrow channels which formed the entrance of the harbour. The rain now beat down fast : and anxious to be well clear of the coast before daylight, Newton thought they might venture to pull. The oars were taken by him and Collins ; but before they had laid them three times in the w^ater, one of the sentries, hearing the noise, discharged his musket in the direction. " Give way, now, as hard as we can," cried Newton ; ^' it's our only chance." Another and another musket was fired. They heard the guard turned out ; lights passing on the batteries close to them, and row-boats manning. They double-banked their oars, and, with the assistance of the ebb tide and obscurity, they were soon out of gun-shot. They then laid in their oars, shipped their mast, and sailed away from the coast. It was nine o'clock in the evening when they started, and at daylight the French coast was not to be seen. Overjoyed at their escape, they commenced an attack upon the provisions and a small keg of wine ; and perhaps a more joyful breakfast never was made. The sun rose in vapour, the sky threatened, but they were free and happy. The wind freshened, and the boat flew before the gale ; the running seas topping over her stern, and forcing them continually to bale her out ; but all was joy, and freedom turned their "danger to delight." They passed several vessels at a distance, who did not observe them ; and before sunset the English coast was in sight. At ten o'clock the double lights on the Lizard were on their starboard bow. They hauled up upon the larboard tack with the ebb tide, and having passed the Lizard, kept away for Mount's Bay, to avoid the chance of falling in with any of the king's vessels, and being again impressed. At daylight they ran in under St. Michael's Mount, and once more stepped upon English ground. Here, as by previous agreement, they divided the provisions, and took farewell of each other. " Good-bye, gentlemen," said Collins ; " allow me to observe that, for once, you may think yourselves fortunate in having been placed in my very respectable company 1 '* So NEWTON FORSTER; OR. . CHAPTER XIII. *' Once more upon the waters, ^^ — Byron. As Newton had lost his credentials from Captain Northfleet, as well as the vessel confided to his charge, he did not consider it necessary to pay his respects to the port-admiral at Plymouth. On the contrary, he set off, as fast as his legs could carry him, to Liverpool, to ascertain the condition of his father. We shall pass over the difficulties he experienced on his journey. There is no country where travelling is more easy or more rapid than in England, provided that you have plenty of money ; but when you travel in forma pauperis^ there is no country in which you get on so badly. Parish rates and poor laws have dried up the sources of benevolence ; and as Newton did not apply to the overseers for his three-halfpence a mile, he got on how he could, which was badly enough. When at last he did arrive at Liverpool, he found himself a stone or two the lighter, and would have been pronounced by Captain Barclay to have been in excellent training. Newton had written to his father, acquainting him with his impressment; but was doubtful whether the letter had ever been received, as it had been confided to the care of one of the women who left the frigate the evening previous to her sailing. When he arrived at the house he perceived his father at his bench as usual, but doing nothing, and the shop windows were bare. Newton entered, and his father looked up. "Why, Newton, my dear boy, is it you?'' cried Nicholas; ** what a long while you have been away ! Well, how is Mr. Hilton ? — and how is your poor mother ? " " My dear father," replied Newton, taking his hand, " did not you receive my letter ? " " No, I received no letter. What a time you have been away ; I declare it must be two or three months, or more." " It is nearly twelve months, my dear father. I was pressed at Bristol, have been on board of a man-of-war 3 and have just escaped from a French prison." Newton then entered into a narrative of his adventures, to THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 8i the astonishment of Nicholas, who heard him with open mouth. " Dear me ! so youVe been in a man-of-war, and in France ; then you don't know how your poor mother is ? '' " Have you not inquired, my dear father? '' " No, I thought you would come home, and tell me all about it,'' replied Nicholas, with a sigh. " How have you got on here ? " said Newton, to change the conversation. " Very bad indeed, Newton, — very bad indeed ; I have not had six jobs since you left me. " ** I am sorry to hear it, father ; have you anything to eat in the house, for I am very hungry ? " " I am afraid not much," replied Nicholas, going to the cup- board, and producing some bread and cheese. " Can you eat bread and cheese, my dear boy?" " I could eat a horse, my dear father," replied Newton, who had walked the last twelve hours without sustenance. Newlon attacked the provender, which soon disappeared. " I have been obliged to sell most of the shop furniture," said Nicholas, observing Newton to cast his eyes at the empty window. " I could not help it. I believe nobody wears spectacles in Liverpool." ** It can't be helped, father ; we must hope for better times." " Yes, we must trust in God, Newton. I sold my watch yesterday, and that will feed us for some time. A sailor came into the shop, and asked if I had any watches to sell : I told him that I only repaired them at present ; but that when my improvement in the duplex " Here Nicholas forgot the thread of his narrative, and was commencing a calculation upon his intended improvement, when Newton interrupted him. " Well, sir, what did the sailor reply ? " " Oh ! I forgot ; I told him that I had a watch of my own, that I would part with it, which went very well ; and that it would be cheaper to him than a new one ; that it cost fifteen pounds ; but I was in want of money, and would take five pounds for it. He saw how sorry I was to part with it — and so I was." Here Nicholas thought of his watch, and forgot his story, o fy NEWTOM FORSTER ; OR, "Well, my dear father," said Newton, "v/hat did he give 3^ou for it ? " « Qh I — why, he was a kind, good creature, and said that he was not the man to take advantage of a poor devil in distress, and that I should have the full value of it. He put the watch into his fob and counted out fifteen pounds on the counter. I wanted to return part : but he walked out of the shop, and before I could get round the counter, he had got round the corner of the street." " 'Twas a God-send, my dear father," replied Newton, '' for I have not a halfpenny. Do you know what became of my chest, that I left on board of the sloop ? " " Dear me ! now I think of it, it came here by the waggon. I put it upstairs. I wondered why you sent it." Newton having appeased his hunger, went upstairs, and found all his wearing apparel had been forwarded by Mr. Hilton, who supposed him dead, and that he was enabled to make a more respectable appearance than what the privateer's people had hitherto permitted him. In a few days he felt quite recovered from his fatigue, and salHed forth in search of employment. On the day after his arrival at Liverpool he had written to the asylum, to inquire the fate of his mother. The answer ^ "*ch he received was, that Mrs. Forster had recovered, and remained many months in the estabHshment as nurse ; but that teii-days back she had quitted the asylum, and that her address was not known. Newton, who had no means of prosecuting further inquiry, was obliged to be satisfied with the intelHgence that his mother was alive and well. He communicated the information to Nicholas, who observed : " Poor thing ! she's looking for us, depend upon it, Newton, and will be here very soon : " and this expectation was revived whenever Nicholas thought of his wife ; and he continued satisfied. We must allow many months to pass away in one paragraph — months of ineffectual struggle against poverty and want of employment, which Newton made every exertion to obtain as mate of a merchant vessel. The way in which he had been impressed had caused a dread of the king's service, which he could not overcome ; and although he had but to choose his ship THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 83 as a sailor before the mast, he could not prevail upon himself to accept a berth which was not protected from the impress. Without recommendation he could not obtain the situation of mate, and he continued to work as a rigger in the docks, until his hand was unfortunately severely jammed by the heel of a topmast, and he was laid up for many weeks. Each day their fare became scantier, and they were reduced to their last shilling, when Newton was again able to go out and seek- employment. It was a rough day, blowing hard from the S.E., when New- ton, who had tried his fortune on board of every vessel (crowded as they Avere in the docks) without success, walked in a melan- choly and disappointed mood along the splendid pier which lines the river-side. Few people were out, for the gusts of wind were accompanied by smart driving showers of rain. Here and there was to be seen ^a boat pulling up in-shore to fetch the shipping in the stream, who with a heavy strain on their cables were riding to the S.E. gale, and a strong ebb tide. Newton had made up his mind to enter on board of one of these vessels about to sail, provided they would advance him a part of his wages for his father's support ; when, as a heavy squall cleared away, he perceived that a boat had broken adrift from the outermost vessel (a large brig), with only on^e man in it, who was carried away by the rapid current, assisted by the gale blowing down the river, so as to place him in cOi. siderable risk. The man in the boat tossed out his oar, and pulling first on one side, and then on the other, tried to make for the shore ; but in vain. He was swept away with a rapidity which threat- ened in less than an hour to carry him out to sea, unless assist- ance were afforded him. Another heavy squall again hid the boat from the sight of Newton, who had been anxiously watching to ascertain if any relief was sent froin the shipping, and who was now convinced that the disaster had not been perceived. He therefore ran down the bank of the river, waiting until the squall should blow over, and enable him to discover the boat. In about ten minutes the squall passed over, and the boat was again presented to his sight ; she was still in the centre of the stream, about three hundred yards from the shore. The man who was in her, finding all his attempts futile, had lain on $4 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, his oar and was kneeling in the stern-sheets, apparently in suppHcation. Newton could not resist the appeal ; it appeared to point out to him that he was summoned to answer the call made upon Providence. The boat was now a quarter of a mile further down the river than where he stood, and about three miles from the town and shipping, both of which were no longer discernible from the thickness of the weather. Newton threw off his coat, and plunging into the agitated water, the cold of which nearly checked his respiration, swam off into the stream in a direction so as to allow himself to fetch to windward of the boat. He was soon carried down to it by the rapidity of the tide, and, as he approached, he shouted to announce his presence. The man in the boat started up at the sound of a human voice, and perceiving Newton close to the bows, leant over and extended his hand towards him. Newton seized hold of it, and then was whirled round by the tide fore and aft with the side of the boat, with such violence as nearly to drag the other man out, and half fill the boat with water. It was with great difficulty, although assisted by the occupant, that Newton contrived at last to get in ; when, exhausted with the efforts he had made, he remained a few seconds without motion ; the man, whom he had just risked his life to save, perceiving his condition, and not speaking to him. " We have no time to lose," said Newton, at last : " take an oar, and let us pull in for the shore. If once we are swept down to the narrows there will be little chance for us." The other complied, without speaking ; and, after a few minutes' exertion, the boat was safely landed on the Liverpool side of the river. "The Lord be praised!" ejaculated Newton's companion, as he laid on his oar. " I did not call upon Him in vain ; your accident has been the means of my preservation." " How do you mean ? " inquired Newton. " Why, did you not fall overboard ? " replied the other. Newton then explained to his companion what we have already related to the reader, ending his narrative with the observation, that when he perceived him praying for assistance in his peril, he could not resist the appeal. "God will reward you, young man," continued he: "and now I will explain to you how it was that I was adrift, like a bear THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 85 in a washing-tub. My first-mate was below. I had just reh'eved the deck, for in this blowing weather we must keep watch in harbour. The men were all at their dinner, when I heard the boat thumping under the main channels. I got into her to ease off a fathom or two of the painter ; but as 1 hauled her ahead to get at the bend, it appears that the monkey of a boy who made her fast, and has been but a few months at sea, had made a * slippery hitch,' so away we went, and I was adrift. I hailed them on board ; but they did not hear me, although the first- mate might have, for he was in the cabin, and the stern-window was up ; but hailing to windward is hard work, such weather as this ; the words are blown back again down your own throat. And now, let me know a little about you, my lad, and see whether I cannot in return be of some use to you." Newton's history was soon told ; and, at the conclusion, he had the satisfaction of finding that he had obtained the very- situation which he had been in search of. "I have no second-mate on board," observed the captain of the brig ; " but I intended to have shipped one to-morrow. I was only divided between which to take of two who have offered themselves, with equally good recommendations. Fortunately, I would promise neither; and, as I think your own recommenda- tion stronger than theirs, the berth is at your service. I only wish, for your sake, that it was that of first-mate. I am sure you would prove yourself fit for the situation; and I cannot say that I am very partial to the one that I have at present ; buthj^L is a relation of the owner.'' The arrangements were soon made. Mr. Berecroft, the master of the vessel, advanced Newton a sum to fit himself out, and agreed with the owner at Liverpool that one-half of Newton's wages should be allotted monthly to his father. The next morning (as the vessel had a pilot on board, and the weather had moderated) Newton took leave of his father, and with a light heart accompanied his new acquaintance on board of the vessel. It was early in the morning when they embarked in a hired boat, — the one belonging to the brig still remaining down the river, where they had landed. The first-mate, as it appeared, was in the cabin shaving himself, previous to his going on shore to the owner to report the supposed loss of his superior. I'hc Z6 NEWTON FORSTEx'^ ; OR, sailors were either busy or down below, so that no notice was taken of the boat coming alongside ; and Newton, with the master, were both on deck before the circumstance was known to the first-mate. It so happened, that at the very same moment that they came on board, the first-mate was ascending the com- panion hatch, to order a boat to be lowered down, and manned. When he perceived Mr. Berecroft, he fell back with astonish- ment, and turned pale. " I thought you were gone," said he : " why, what could have saved you ? did you not drift out to sea ? " " It appears, then, Mr. Jackson, that you knew that I was adrift," replied the master, seriously, looking him steadfastly in the face. "That is," — replied the mate, confused — "I thought — of course, seeing the boat was not alongside — that you had drifted away in her : how it happened — of course, I know not." " I should trust, for your conscience* sake, Mr. Jackson, that you did not ; however, here I am again, as you see, by the blessing of Providence, and the exertions of this young man, whom I must introduce to you as our second-mate." Jackson cast an angry glance at Newton upon the conclusion of this speech. The master had truly observed that it was strange the first-mate did not hear him when he had hailed the brig for assistance. The fact was, that Jackson had both heard him and seen him ; but he was a wretch devoid of all feeling, who con- sulted nothing except his own interest. He had made sure that the master would be carried out to sea, there to perish by a most miserable death, and that he would succeed in command of the vessel. He was then going on shore to report the supposed ^yf ailing ove7'hoa7^d'^ of the master : which, as the brig was to sail as the weather moderated, would have secured to him the command, and, at the same time, have put an end to the search which (should he have reported the truth) would immediately have taken place for the boat in which the master had been adrift. Foiled in his hopes, by the courage of Newton, Jackson had already formed towards him a deadly hatred and deter- mination of revenge. That evening the wind abated, and the vessel sailed. The ensuing morning she was clear of the sands, and a pilot-vessel off Holyhead having received the pilot, she steered down the THE MERCHANT SEE VICE, %j Irish Channel to join a convoy for the West Indies, collecting at Falmouth. Mr. Berccroft, the master of the vessel, who has not hitherto been described, v/as a spare, light-buiit person, of about sixty years of age, still active, and a thorough seaman. He had crossed the ocean for forty-five years, and his occasional narra- tives, as he walked the deck, or sat over his evening glass of grog, proved that his life must have been one of no ordinary variety and interest. He was serious and rationally devout. He checked all swearing from the men under his command, and rebuked it, although he could not prevent it, in the first-mate ; who, to annoy him, seldom made his appearance on deck with- out making use of some execration or another. It was Mr. Berecroft's custom to call down the seamen into his cabin every evening, and read to them a short prayer ; and, although this unusual ceremony often caused a leer in some of the newly- entered men, and was not only unattended but ridiculed by Jackson, still the whole conduct of Berecroft was so completely in unison, that even the most idle and thoughtless acknowledged that he was a good man, and quitted the ship with regret. Such was Mr. Berecroft ; and we have little further to add, except that he was very superior to the generality of masters of mer- chant vessels. His family, it was reported, were strict quakers. Jackson, the first-mate, was a bull-headed, sandy-haired Norihumbrian; as we before stated, a relation of the owner, or he never would have been permitted to remain in the ship. The reader has already had some insight into his diabolical character. It will be sufhcient to add, that he was coarse and blustering in his manners ; that he never forgot and never forgave an injury; gratitude was not in his composition; and, to gratify his revenge, he would stop at nothing. On the third day, the brig, which was named the Eliza and Jane, after the two daughters of the owner, arrived at Falmouth, where she anchored in the outer roads, in company with thirty or forty more, who had assembled at the appointed rendezvous. On the second day after their arrival, a fifty-gun ship, frigate, and two corvettes, made their appearance off the mouth of the harbour ; and after a due proportion of guns, some shotted and some not, the whole convoy were under weigh, and hove-to round their protectors. The first step taken by the latter was S8 NEWTON fS^STER ; OR, to disembarrass \kit\x proteges of one-third of their crews,1eaving them as defenceless as possible, that they might not confide in their own strength, but put their whole trust in the men-of-war, and keep as close to them as possible. Having taken out every unprotected man, they distributed convoy signals in lieu, and half a dozen more guns announced that they were to make sail — an order immediately complied with - the merchant vessels, loaded with canvas below and aloft, while the men-of-war, with their topsails on the caps, sailed round and round them, firing shot at every unfortunate vessel which was not able to sail as well as the rest. The convoy left Falmouth, seventy-five in number ; but in a few days there were but forty in sight. Those who remained behind either made their voyage how they could, or were taken by the enemy's privateers, who follovyed in the wake of the convoy. Some few were carried into the French ports; and the underwriters of the policy ate but little dinner on the day which brought the intelligence of their capture. Others were retaken by the English blockading squadrons, who received then one- eighth for salvage. At last the men-of-war were fairly running down the traders, with about twenty-five of the best saifors in company : and the commodore deemed it advisable to take particular care of the few which remained, lest he should be *' hanled over the coals '' by the Admiralty. Nothing worth com- ment occurred during the remainder of the passage. They all arrived safe at Barbados, when the commodore brought in his returns to the admiral, and complained bitterly of the obstinacy of the masters of merchant vessels, who would part company with him, in defiance of all his injunctions, and in spite of all the powder which he fired away to enforce his signals. There certainly was a fault somewhere. During the passage, which lasted seven weeks, Newton had ample opportunity of ascertaining his situation. The master invariably treated him with kindness and consideration; and before the voyage was completed, he treated him as if he were his own son. Jackson lost no opportunity of annoying or in- sulting him ; but the support of his patron indemnified Newton for the conduct of the first-mate, and he resolved to take no notice of that which could not well be prevented. On their arrival at Barbados, Mr. Berecroft went on shore to the house THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 89 of the consignee; and then it was that the malignity of Jackson broke out in all its violence. The brig had discharged her cargo, and was lying in Carlisle Bay, waiting for the sugars which were to be shipped for Liver- pool. One morning, when Newton, who for some timiC had submitted to the tyranny of Jackson without complaint, was standing at the main hatchway, giving directions to the men below, who were arranging the dunnage at the bottom of the vessel, the first-mate came on deck, and, watching his oppor- tunity, staggered, with a rope in his hand, against Newton, as if by accident, so as to throw him over the coombings. Newton, who would have immediately fallen to the bottom of the hold upon the ballast, at the risk of his life, suddenly seized hold of the first-mate, not in sufficient time to recover his own balance, but so firmly as to drag Jackson with him ; and down they were both precipitated together. The first-mate, having hold of one of the ropes leading down the mainmast, clung fast to save him- self, and in so doing also broke the fall of Newton ; but the weight of their bodies dragged the rope through Jackson's hands, which were lacerated to the bone. Neither party was much hurt by the fall ; so that the treachery of Jackson recoiled upon himself. After this specimen of animosity, which was duly reported to Mr. Berecroft, on his return on board, by the seamen, who detested Jackson, and anything like foul play, his protector determined that Newton should no longer be subjected to funher violence. At the request of Mr. Berecroft, Newton was invited to stay at the house of Mr. Kingston, the gentleman to whom the vessel had been consigned — an offer which was gladly accepted. Newton had not been many days on shore, when Mr. Kings- ton, who had taken a strong interest in him, proposed, in answer to many of his questions relative to the slave-trade, that they should make a party to visit a plantation, the proprietor of which had been a resident since his youth, and judge for himself as to the truth of the reports so industriously circulated by those who were so inimical to the employment of a slave population. go NEWTON FORSTER ; ORt CHAPTER XIV. **Aboan. — The innocent. Oronoko. — These men are so, whom yon would rise against. If we are slaves , they did not make tis slaves. But bought us in the honest way of trade. As we have done before Vw, bought and sold Many a wretch, and never thought it wrong. They paid otir price for us, and ive are 7iow Their property, a part of their estate. To manage as they flease^^ At an early hour the party, consisting of Mr. Kingston, the master of the brig, and Newton, set off upon mules for the habitation of the planter. The sun had illumined the sky, but had not yet made his appearance, although the golden fringes upon the clouds, which floated in broad belts in the horizon, indicated his glorious yet withering approach. The dew moistened each leaf, or hung in glittering pendant drops upon the thorn of the prickly pears which lined the roads. The web of the silver-banded spider was extended between the bushes, and, saturated wdth moisture, reflected the beams of the rising orb, as the animals danced in the centre, to dazzle their expected prey. The mist still hovered on the valleys, and con- cealed a part of the landscape from their view; and the occasional sound of the fall of water was mingled with the twittering and chirping of the birds, as they flew from spray to spray. The air was fresh, even to keenness, and anyone sud- denly wafted to the scene would little have imagined that he was under the torrid zone. *' How different this is from the ideas generally formed of the climate in the West Indies ! " observed Newton. " In England, we couple it with insufferable heat and the yellow-fever." " Your reports are from those who seldom leave the harbours or towns, where such indeed prevail," replied Kingston. " There is no island in the Caribbean Sea where the early riser may not enjoy this delightful, bracing atmosphere. At Jamaica, in particular, where they collect as much snow as they please in the mountains ; yet, at the same time, there is not a more fatal and unhealthy spot than Port Royal harbour, in the same island/' THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 91 " Is the plantation we are going to situated as high above the level of the sea as we are now ?'' " No ; most plantations are in the ravines, between the hills. The sugar-cane requires heat. As soon as w^e are on the summit of this next hill we shall descend to it." In half an hour they arrived at the end of their journey, when they stopped at an extensive range of low buildings, situated at the head of the valley, which descended to the sea, ' — now for the first time presented to their view since they had quitted Bridgetown. The owner of the estate was at the door to receive them. He was a tall, spare man, dressed in nankeen jacket and trousers, with a large-brimmed straw hat upon his head. "Welcome, gentlemen, welcome. Kingston, how are you?'* said he, as they stopped. " Now dismount, gentlemen ; the boys will take the mules. Boy Jack, where are you ? AVhere's Baby, and where's Bulky ? Come here, you lazy rascals, and take the mules. Now then, gentlemen, I'll show you the way. I ordered breakfast on the table, as I saw you coming down the hill."^ So saying, the old gentleman led the way through a portico. At the sight of strangers, the windows underneath were crowded with faces of various degrees of colour — eyes and mouths wide open, the latter displaying rows of teeth, so even, and so brilliantly Avhite, that they might cause a sensation of envy to many an English belle. The party were ushered into a spacious and cool apartment on the ground-floor, where a table was covered with all the varieties of a tropical breakfast, consisting of fried fish, curries, devilled poultry, salt meats, and everything which could tend to stimulate an enfeebled appetite. " Now, gentlemen, let me recommend you to take a white jacket ; you'll be more at your ease, and there is no cere- mony here. Boy Jack, where's the sangoree ? This is a fine climate. Captain Berecroft ; all you have to attend to is — to be temperate, and not to check the perspiration." Boy Jack, who, par parenthese, was a stout, well-looking negro, of about forty years of age, now made his appearance with the sangoree. This was a beverage composed of half a bottle of brandy and two bottles of Madeira, to which were added a pro- portion of sugar, lime-juice, and nutmeg, with water ^^ //A It 92 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, was contained in a glass bowl, capable of holding two gallons, standing upon a single stalk, and bearing the appearance of a Brobdingnag rummer. Boy Jack brought it with both hands, and placed it before his master. "Now, sir, will you drink?" said the planter, addressing Mr. Berecroft. " Thank you," replied Mr. Berecroft, " I never drink so early in the morning." ** Drink ! why this is nothing but swizzle. Here's your, health, sir, I'll show you the way." The large goblet was fixed to his lips for upwards of a minute : at last they unwillingly separated, and the old planter recovered his respiration with a deep sigh. " Now then, gentle- men, do you take a little ; don't be afraid ; there's nothing yoa mayn't do in this climate, only be temperate, and don't check the perspiration." At this moment Newton was startled, and looked under the table. " I thought it was a dog, but it's a little black child." " Oh ! there's one out, is there ? Why, Boy Jack, did I not tell you to shut them all in?" *' Yes, sar, so I did," said the black man, looking under the table. **£h! — it's that d — d little nigger — two-year old Sambo — no possible keeping him in, sar. — Come out. Sambo." The child crawled out to his master, and climbed up by his knee : the old planter patted his woolly head, and gave him a piece of grilled turkey, with which he immediately dived again under the table. "The fact, is captain, they are accustomed to come in at breakfast-time ; they are only shut out to-day because I have company. That door behind me leads into the nursery- yard." ;^ " The nursery-yard ! " ,:-| " Yes, I'll show it you by-and-by ; there's plenty of theiri there." " Oh, pray let us have them in — I wish to see them, and should be sorry to be the cause of their being disappointed." " Open the door. Boy Jack." As soon as it was open, about twenty black children, from seven to three years old, most of them naked, with their ivory skins like a polished table, and quite potbellied from good living, tumbled into the room, to THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 93 the great amusement of Newton and the party. They were followed by seven or eight more, who were not yet old enough to walk ; but they crawled upon ciU-fours almost as fast as the others who could walk erect after the image of their Maker. The company amused themselves with distributing to the children the contents of the dishes on the table — the elder ones nesthng alongside of the planter and his friends with great familiarity, while the youngest sat upright on the floor, laugh- ing as they devoured their respective portions. "Of course, these are all slaves?" observed Mr. Berecroft. " Yes, bred them all myself," replied the planter ; " indeed, out of two hundred and fifteen which I have on the estate, I think that there are not more than twelve who were not born on this property, during my father's time or mine. Perhaps, as breakfast is over, you will like to inspect my nursery." The planter led the way into the yard from which the children had entered. It was a square, of about two roods of ground, three sides of which were enclosed by rows of small houses, of two rooms each ; and most of them were occupied by female slaves, either nursing children at the breast, or ex- pecting very soon to have that duty to perform. They received their master with a smiling face, as he addressed a question to each of them when he entered their abode. " Now these are all my breed wg women ; they do no work, only take care of the children, who remain here until they are eight or nine years old. We have a surgeon on the estate, who attends them as well as the other slaves when they are sick. Now, if you feel inclined, we will go round the works." The old planter, in a few minutes' walk, brought them to an extensive row of detached cottages, each centered in a piece of garden-ground, well stocked with yams, sweet potatoes, bananas, and other tropical productions. Poultry of all descriptions were scattered in profusion about the place, and pigs appeared to be abundant. " Now, captain, these are the cottages of the working slaves. The garden-ground is allowed to them ; and whatever they can make by its produce, or by their pigs and their poultry, is all their own." " But how are they subsisted ? " - 94 NEWTON ^ORSTER; OR, " By rations, as regularly served out as yours are on board of your vessel, and they have as much as they can consume.'* " Are they all single men ? " " No, mostly married to slave girls on the estate : their wives live with them, unless they breed, and then they are removed up to the nurseiies." " And what work do you exact from them ? " " Eight hours a day — except in crop-time, and then we are very busy ; so that they have plenty of leisure to look afier their own interests if they choose." " Do they ever lay up much money ? " "Very often enough to purchase their freedom, if they wished it.'' " If they wished it ! " replied Mr. Berecroft, with surprise. " Yes ; without explanation, that may appear strange to you, and still more strange, the fact, that freedom offered has often been refused. A man who is a clever workman as a carpenter, or any other trade, will purchase his freedom if he can, because artisans can obtain very high wages here ; but a slave who, if I may use the term, is only a common labourer, would hardly support himself, and lay by nothing for his old age. They are aware of it. I have offered emancipation to one or two who have grown old, and they have refused it, and now remain as heir-looms on the estate, provided with every- thing, and doing litde or no work, if they please. You saw that old man sweeping under the portico ? Well, he does that every day ; and it is all he has done for these five years. Now, if you please, we will go through the plantations, and visit the sugar-mills." They passed the slaves, who were at work hoeing between the canes ; and certainly, if an estimate of their condition was to be taken by the noise and laughter with which they beguiled their labour, they were far from demanding pity. " But, I must confess, that there is something in that cart- whip which I do not like," observed Newton. " I grant it ; but custom is not easily broken through ; nor do we know any substitute. It is the badge of authority, and the noise of it is requisite to summon them to their labour. With me it is seldom used, for it is not required j and if you were captain of a man-of-war, I should answer you as I did THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 95 Captain C ; to wit — I question much whether my noisy whip is half so mischievous as your silent cat'^ .The sugar-mills, stables of mules, boilers, coolers, &c., were all examined, and the parties returned to the plantation- house. *' Well, captain, now you have witnessed what is termed slavery, what is your opinion ? Are your philanthropists justi- fied in their invectives against us ? '' *' First assure me that all other plantations are as well regulated as your own," replied Mr. Berecroft. " If not, they soon will be : it is to the interest of all the planters that they should ; and by that, like all the rest of the world, they will be guided." " But still there have been great acts of cruelty committed ; quite enough to prepossess us against you as a body." ^' I grant that such has been the case, and may occasiona'ly be so now ; but do not the newspapers of England teem with acts of barbaiity? Men are the same everywhere. But, sir, it is the misfortune of this world, that we never knov/ ivhen to stop. The abolition of the slave-trade was an act of humanity, worthy of a country acting upon an extended scale like England ; but your philanthropists, not content with relieving the blacks, look forward to the extermination of their own countrymen, the whites — who, upon the faith and promise of the nation, were induced to embark their capital in these islands." " Doubtless, they wish to abolish slavery altogether," replied Berecroft. " They must be content with having abolished the horrors of it, sir," continued the planter. ** At a time when the mart was open, and you could purchase another slave to replace the one that had died from ill-treatment, or disease, the life of a slave was not of such importance to his proprietor as it is nov/. Moreover, the slaves imported were adults, who had been once free ; and, torn as they were from their natural soil and homes, where they slept in idleness throughout the day, they were naturally morose and obstinate, sulky, and unwilling to work. This occasioned severe punishment ; and the hearts of their masters being indurated by habit, it often led to acts of barbarity. But slavery, since the abolition, has assumed a milder form — it is a species of bond slavery. There are few 96 NEWTON PORSTER; OR, slaves in existence who have not been born upon the estates, and we consider that they are more lawfully ours." " Will you explain what you mean by mo7'e laivfiiUy f " " I mean, captain (for instance), that the father of that boy (pointing to one of the negro lads who waited at breakfast) was my slave ; that he worked for me until he was an old man, and then I supported him for many years until he died. I mean, that I took care of this boy's mother, who, as she bore children, never did any work after her marriage, and has since been only,^? an expense to me, and probably will continue to be so for some ^ years. I mean, that that boy was taken care of, and fed byme,^ until he was ten years oM, without my receiving any return for > the expense which I incurred ; and I therefore consider that he is indebted to me as a bond-slave, and that I am entitled to his services ; and he, in like manner, when he grows too old to ^ work, will become a pensioner, as his father was before him." " I perceive the drift of your argument ; you do not defend slavery generally." " No ; I consider a man born free, and made a slave, is justi- .^ fied in resorting to any means to deHver himself; but a slave, f that I have reared is lawfully a slave, and bound to remain so, unless he. can repay me the expense I have incurred. But dinner is ready, captain ; if you wish to argue the matter ^ further, it must be over a bottle of claret." ^.j The dinner was well dressed, and the Madeira and claret (the only wines produced) of the best quality. Their host did; j, the honours of his table with true West Indian hospitality, cir- o culating the bottle after dinner with a rapidity which would soon ,^^ have produced an effect upon less prudent visitors ; and when 13 Mr. Berecroft refused to take any more wine, he ordered the ingredients for arrack punch. " Now, Mr. Forster, you must take a tumbler of this, and I think that you'll pronounce it excellent." " Indeed ! " replied Newton. . ^ "Nay, I will take no denial ; don't be afraid ; you may do anything you please in this climate, only be temperate, and don't check the perspiration." " Well, but," observed Newton, who placed the tumbler of ^j §) punch before him, **you promised to renew your argument ;:?! THE MERcnAkT SERVICE. $7 aftef dinner ; and I should like to hear what you have to urge in defence of a system which I never have heard defended belore." " Well," repHed his host, upon whom the wine and punch had begun to take effect, "just let me fill my tumbler agiin to keep my lips moist, and then I'll prove to you that slavery has existed from the earliest times, and is not at variance with the religion we profess. That it has existed from the earliest times, you need only refer to the book of Genesis ; and that it is not at variance with our religion, I must refer to the fourth Com- mandment. How can that part of the commandment be con- strued, * and the stranger that is within thy gates ' ? To whom can this possibly apply but to the slave? After directing that the labour of all the household, * man-servant and maid-ser- vant,' should cease, it then proceeds to the ox and the ass, and the stranger that is within thy gates. Now, gentlemen, this cannot be applied to the stranger in the literal sense of the word, the hospitality of the age forbidding that labour should be required of him. At that time slaves were brought from foreign lands, and were a source of traffic, as may be inferred by the readiness with which the Ishmaelites purchased Joseph of his brethren, and resold him in Egypt. " Nay, that slavery was permitted by the AbnigJity is fully proved by the state of the Jewish nation, until He thought proper to bring them out of the house of bondage. " If, then, the laws of God provided against the ill-treatment of the slave, slavery is virtually acknowledged as not being contrary to his Divine will. We have a further proof, subse- quent to the missioji of our Saviour^ that the apostles considered slavery as lawful." " I remember it : you refer to Paul sending back the run- away slave Onesimus. Well, I'll admit all this," replied Mr. Berecroft, who had a great dislike to points of Scripture being canvassed after dinner ; " and I wish to know what inference you would draw from it." " That I was just coming to : I assert that my property in slaves is therefore as legally mine as my property in land or money; and that any attempt to deprive me of either is equally a robbery, whether it be made by the nation or by an individual But now, sir, allow me to ask you a question H 98 NEWTON FORSTER; OR^ show nie where Hberty is ? — Run over all the classes of society, and point out one man who is free ? " Mr. Berecroft, who perceived the effect of the arrack punch, could not refrain from laughing, as he replied, "Well, your friend Mr. Kingston, is he not free ? " " Free ! Not half so free as that slave boy who stands behind your chair. Why, he is a merchant ; and whether he lives upon a scale of princely expenditure, whether wholesale or retail, banker, or proprietor of a chandler's shop, he is a speculator. Anxious days and sleepless nights await upon speculation. A man with his capital embarked, who may be a beggar on the ensuing day, cannot lie down upon roses : he is the slave of Mammon. Who are greater slaves than sailors ? So are soldiers, and all who hold employ under government. So are politicians : they are slaves to their tongues ; for opi- nions once expressed, and parties once joined, at an age when reason is borne down by enthusiasm, and they are fixed for life against their conscience, and are unable to follow its dictates without blasting their characters. Courtiers are slaves^ you must acknowledge.'' " I beg your pardon,'^ interrupted Kingston, "but I perceive that you make no distinction between those enthralled 'by their own consent, and against it." " It is a distinction without a difference," replied the planter, " even if it were so, which it is not, but in particular cases. The fact is, society enthrals us all. AVe are forced to obey laws, to regard customs, to follow the fashion of tlie day, to support the worthless by poor-rates, to pay taxes, and the interest of a debt which others have contracted, or we must go to prison." " And the princes and rulers of the land — do you include them ? " inquired Newton. " They are the greatest of all ; for the meanest peasant has an advantage over the prince in the point on which we most desire to be free — that of the choice in his partner in life. He has none, but must submit to the wishes of his people, and trammelled by custom, must take to his bed one whom he cannot take to his heart." " Well, by your account, there i^ nobody free, unless it be Liberty herself." THE MERCHANT SEE F/CE. ^ *'\Vliy, sir," rejoined the planter, "to prove to you that I was correct when I asserted that there was no such thing in this world as liberty, paradoxical as it may appear, Liberty is but Liberty when in bondage, Eelease her, and she ceases to exist; she has changed her nature and character; for Libeity unrestrained becomes Licentiousness.^^ " Well," said Mr. Kingston, laughing with the rest at this curious remark, *'as you have now arrived at your climax, with your leave we will go to bed." " Have I convinced you ? " demanded the planter, taking the tumbler from his lips. '* At least you have silenced us. Now, if you please, we will put on our coats and retire to our apartments." " Yes — do," replied the other, who was not very steady ; " do — or you may check the perspiration. Boy Jack, where are the lights? Good night, gentlemen."- The negro led the way to a large room with two beds in it, for Newton and the master of the brig. Having first pointed out to them that there was a jug of sangorce, " suppose gentlemen thirsty," he wished them good night, and left the room. " Well, Newton," said Mr. Berecroft, as soon as they were alone, "what do you think of the planter?" "I think that, considering his constant advice to be temper- ate, he swallowed a very large quantity of arrack punch." "He did indeed'; but what think you of his arguments?" " I hardly can say, except that none of them were suffi- cicntly convincing to induce me to be a slave proprietor. We may perhaps, as he asserts, have contented ourselves with the shadow instead of the substance ; but even the shadow of liberty is to be venerated by an Englishman." " I agree with you, my boy. His discourse did, however, bring one idea into my head ; which is, that there is a remark- able connection between religion and slavery. It was in a state of bondage that the Jews were prepared to receive the promised land ; and whenever they fell off from the true wor- ship, they were punished by captivity. It was through the means of slavery that the light of the true faith was first brought to our island, where it has burnt with a purer flame than else- where; for, if you recollect, the beauty of some English 100 NEUTON FORSTER; Ok, children exposed for sale at Rome, assisted by a Latin ptiil, caused the introduction of Christianity into great Britain ; and who knows but that this traffic, so offensive to humanity, has been permitted by an Alhvise Power, with the intent that some day it shall be the means of introducing Christianity into the vast regions of African idolatry ? ^' " True," observed Newton \ " and the time may not be far distant.'* ** That it is impossible to calculate upon. He worketh by his own means, which are inscrutable. It was not the cause of virtue, but a desire that vice might be less trammelled, which introduced the Reformation in England. The more we attempt to interfere with the arrangements of the Almighty, the more we shall make evident our own folly and blindness, and his unsearchable and immutable wisdom. — Good night, my boy." CHAPTER XV. •* Lucy — Are all these wretches slaves ? Stanley — All soldy they and their posterity^ all slaves, Lucy — O! viis er able fortune ! Blan d — Most of them ktiow no better, but tuere Born so ^ and only change their masters y — Oroonoho, The party were up at an early hour on the ensuing morning, that they might enjoy the delightful freshness of the air, which so soon evaporates before the scorching rays of the tropical sun. They were joined at breakfast by the doctor who attended the estate, and who had called in to announce the birth of a little negro boy in the early part of the night. " Who did you say, doctor ? " answered the planter, " Mattee Sally ? Why, I thought Jane Ascension was in advance of her." " They were running it 7ieck and neck, sir/' replied the sur- geon. " How is she — quite hearty ? " " Quite, sir ; but very anxious about the child's name, and requests to speak with you as soon as you have breakfasted." "We will go to her. You have no idea," observed the planter to Mr. Berecroft and Newton, " what importance these THE MERCHANT SER VICE. lor people attach to the naming of their children. Nothing but a fine long name will satisfy them. I really believe, that if I refused her, or called the boy Tom, she would eat dirt. I believe we have all done : boy Jack, bring the sangoree. Doctor, I daresay that your clay wants moistening, so take the first pull." This important commencement and finale to the repast having been duly administered, they proceeded to the range of buildings before mentioned, in one of which they found the lady in the straiv^ sitting up, and showing her white teeth at her master's approach, as if nothing very particular had occurred. " Well, Mattee, how are you?" said the planter. " Where's the piccaninny?" *'Ab um here, sar — keep im warm," replied the woman, pointing to a roll of blanket, in which the little creature was enveloped. " Let us see him, Mattee." " No sar, too cold yet — bye bye, massa, see um ; make very fine sleep now. Suppose white piccaninny, suppose black piccaninny — all same — like plenty sleep. Um know very well, hab plenty work to do bye and bye — sleep all dey can, when lilly." " But you'll smother him," observed Newton. " Smoder him? — what dat — eh? — I know now massa mean, stop um breath. No : suppose him no smoder before, no smoder now, sar. Massa," continued the woman, turning to the planter, " no ab name for piccaninny?" " Well, Mattee, we must find one ; these gentlemen will give him a name. Come, captain, what name do you propose?" *' Suppose we christen him SJtub" replied Berecroft, winking at the rest. "Snob! What sort a name you call dat sar?" replied the woman, tossing up her head. *' Snob ! no, sar, you 'front me very much. Snob not proper name." " Well, then, Mr. Forster," said the planter, " try if you can be more fortunate." "What do you think of Chrononhotonthologus ?" said New- ton to the woman. " Eh ! what dat ?— say dat again, sar," replied the woman. " Chrononhotonthologus." ♦* Eh ! dat real fine nanie fi^r piccaninny," cried the woman, ,02 KEWTON FORSTER; OR, with delight in her countenance. " Many tanky, sar. Chroton- polygarse." "No, no," replied Newton, laughing; " Chrononhoton- thologus." " Es, hab um now— Hoton — tolyglass." " No, that's only part. Chronon— hoton— thologus." '' I see— very fine name— Proton— choton—pollyglass." *' Yes, that's nearer to it," replied Newton. " Well, then, that point's settled," said the planter to the woman. " Is it all right, Mattee?" " Es, massa ; many tanks to gentleman — very fine name, do very well, sar." "Doctor, put the name down opposite the register of the birth. Now, Mattee, all's right, good bye," said the planter, leaving the room, followed by the others. "Do you really intend to call the child by that name?" inquired Mr. Berecroft. " Why not ? it pleases the woman, and is as good as any ■ other ; it is of no consequence. They almost all have names, certainly not quite so long as the present ; but as they grow longer, their names grow shorter. This name will first be abbreviated to Chrony; if we find that too long, it will be reduced again to Crow ; which, by-the-bye, is not a bad name for a negro," said the planter, laughing at the coinci- dence. Reader, did you ever, perchance, when in a farmyard, observe a hen or other domestic fowl, who having pounced upon half a potato, or something of the same description, too large to be bolted down at once, tries to escape with her prize, follovv^ed by all the rest, until she either drops it or eludes their vigilance ? If so, you form some idea of a negro woman witl' a hard word in her mouth ; which, although she does not knov/ the meaning of, she considers as an equal treasure. Newton had turned round to the courtyard, in the centre of which several women were sitting down at various employ- ments ; when one who had been busied in some little offices for the woman whom they had just visited, and had in conse- quence been present at the choice of the name, took her scat with the party in question. To several queries put to her she replied with extreme hauteur, as if she considered them as THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 103 impertinent, and frowned upon her companions most majes- tically. After a short time she rose, and turning romid, with the look of an empress, said, " Now, I shall go look after my Hoton- poton-bollybass." " Eh?" cried one, opening her eyes with wonder, "What dat?" screamed another. ** How you call dat long ting?" demanded a third. "Ehlyoutupid black tings," replied the proud possessor of the new word, with a look of ineffable scorn, ^'you no know what um call Poton-hoton-poll-fuss. Me 710 tell you," con- tinued -she, as she walked away, leaving the others almost white with envy and astonishment. Shortly after this Mr. Kingston with his party took their leave of the hospitable old planter, and commenced their return to Bridgetown. They had not proceeded further than a quarter of a mile, when, ascending a little hill, Newton dis- covered that a negro was assisting his own ascent by hanging on to the tail of his mule. *^How do you do this morning, sar?" said the man, grin- ning, as Newton looked round. *' I'm very well, sir, I thank you ; but I*m afraid I shall not be able to keep up with the rest if my mule has to pull you up hill, as well as carry me." " Es, sar, mule go faster. Massa not understand ; mule very obstinate, sar. Suppose you want go one way, he go anoder — suppose you pull him back by tail, he go on more." " Well, if that's the case, you may hold on. Do you belong to the plantation?^' ** No, sar, me free man. Me work there; carpenter, sar." '^ A carpenter ! How did you learn your trade, and obtain your freedom?" "Larn trade board of man-of-war, sar — man-of-war make me free." INIr. Berecroft, who had been listening to the colloquy, took up the discourse. *^ Were you born in this country?'' **No sar ! me Ashantee man." *^Then how did you come here?" ** Why, sar, ab very fine battle in Ashantee country. Take 104 NEWTON F0RS7ER; OR, me and send me down to coast; sell me for slave. Go on board French schooner — English frigate take schooner, send me to Sarra Leon.'' " Well, what did you do there ?'* ^* Bind 'pentice, sar, to Massa Cawley, for farteen years — all de same as slave ; work very hard ; yam bad ; plenty fever in that country — much better here." " Then how did you get away from Sierra Leone?" " Go to sleep one day in de bush — tieves come steal me, take me down to coast, sell me again.'* "Well, where did you go then ?" " Bard schooner again, sar. Another man-of-war take schooner in West Indies : send her in prize. Keep me and some on board becase want hands; keep me, becase speak little English." **Hovv did you like a man-of-war?" inquired Newton. "Man-ofwar very fine place; but all slaves there — captain steal men every ship he come to. But sailor no tink so ; ebery night we all sing — Britong nebber, nebber, nebber, will be slave. Make me laugh, sar," continued the man, showing his teeth with a broad grin. "What was the frigate's name?" " Very fine name, sar — call her Daddy PVi'se,^** " How long were you on board of her ?" " Far year, sar ; larn carpenter trade — go to England — pay off — get plenty money — come out here in marchant vessel; England very fine place, but too much cold," said the negro, shuddering at the bare recollection. "Now, tell me," said Kingston, "of course you recollect being in your own country ? Which do you like best — that or this?" " Ashantee very good country — Barbados very good country. Ashantee nebber work, hab no money — here plenty work, plenty money." "Well, but where would you rather be — here or there?" " Don't know, sar. Like to find country where no work, plenty money." " Not sing la* in his opinion," observed Newton. " Men do ail work here, sar : women only talk," continued ^edaigneusej we suppose. THE MERCHAN7 SERVICE. 10$ the negro. " My country, men nebber work at all — ^women do all work, and feed men." " Then what does the man do?" inquired Berecroft. " Man, sar," replied the negro, proudly, "man go fight — go kill." "Is that all?" " Yes, sar, that all.** " So, you then mean to say, that if you could go back to Ashantee now you would remain there?" " Yes, sar, stay there — do no work — sleep all day — make women feed me." " How inveterate is early habit !" observed Mr. Berecroft. " This man, although free in a civilised country, would return to his idleness, and resume his former ignorance." " And so would every slave not born in the country. It requires one or two generations to destroy this savage nature," replied Kingston. " I believe, idleness, like gout, to be a hereditary disease, either in black or white; I have often observed it in the latter. Now, until man labours there is no chance of civilisation ; and, improved as the race of Africa have been in these islands, I still think that if manumitted, they would all starve. In their own country nature is so bountiful that little or no labour is required for the support of life ; but in these islands the soil, although luxuriant, must be nurtured." "You do then look fonvard to their ultimate freedom?" in- quired Newton. " Most assuredly. Already much has been done, and if not persecuted, we should be able and willing to do much more." " The public mind in England is certainly much inflamed against you," said Berecroft. " It is ; or rather, I should say, the more numerous public composed of those persons unable to think for themselves, and in consequence, led by others, styling themselves philanthropists, but appearing to have very Jesuitical ideas with regard to truth. This I have no hesitation in asserting, that if philanthropy had not been found to have been so very profitable it never would have had so many votaries : true philanthropy, like charity, begins at home. Observe how the papers teem with the misery of the lower classes in England, yet this affects not the ic6 NEWTON JPORSTER; OR^ West India philanthropist. You perceive not their voices raised in behalf of their suffering countrymen. They pass the beggar in the street ; they heed not the cry of starvation at home ; but everywhere raise petitions for emancipation ; or, in fact, for the destruction of the property of others. That it is an invidious property, I grant, and I wish 1 could dispose of mine ; but that is not so easy. My ancestors embarked their capital in these islands upon the faith and promises of the country, when opinions were very different from what they are now, and I cannot help myself. However, the time will come when England will bitterly rue the having listened to the suggestions and outcries of these interested people." " I do not understand you. How do you mean ? " " I said before, that it was on the faith of the country that we embarked our property in these islands. You are not per- haps aware, that when, in the reign of Queen Anne, the Assiento treaty was made, by which we obtained the privilege of supplying all the islands with slaves, it was considered as one of the most important acquisitions that could be obtained. Public opinion has now changed ; but if a nation changes her opinion, she must at the same time be just. Let the country take our estates and negroes at a fair valuation, and we shall be most happy to surrender them. If she frees the slaves without so doing, she is guilty of robbery and injustice, and infringes on the constitu- tion of the country, which protects all property, and \vill of course allow us to decide upon our own measures." " May I inquire what those would be ? " " Throwing off the yoke, declaring ourselves independent, and putting ourselves under the protection of America, who will gladly receive us, aware that we shall be a source not only of wealth but of security." " Would America risk a war to obtain these islands ? " " She would be foolish not to do so ; and England w^ould be more than foolish to engage in one. It is true, that if not immediately supported by America, England might create a scene of confusion and bloodshed in the colonies ; but the world has too often had the severe lesson, that colonies once detaching themselves are never to be regained. England would therefore be only entailing a useless expense, however gratifying it mi^'ht be to her feelings of revenge." THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 107 *' But do you think that this is likely to occur ? " ** I do, most certainly, if those who govern continue to listen to the insidious advice of the party denominated * Saints ' ; and I am afraid that it will not be until these islands are separated from the mother-country, that she will appreciate their value. Our resolution once formed, we white slaves (for slaves we are) will not flinch ; and the islands of the Caribbean Sea will be enrolled as another star, and add another stripe to the inde- pendent flag, which is their natural protector." " I trust that will never come to pass." " And so do I, Mr. Berecroft ; for I am an Englishman, and love my country, and the loss of these colonies would be a blow from which England would never recover." "You forget her extensive colonies in the East." " I do not ; but the West Indies add to her wealth and her commercial prosperity, to her nursery of seamen and her ex- hausted revenue. They, on the contrary, add only to her grandeur, for they cost the country three millions a year; and I doubt whether at that expense it is worth while to retain any colony, however vast and extensive it may be. I consider, that if the East India ports were open to all the world, and the territory governed by its former princes, England, with all the competition which Avould take place, would yet be a gainer ; and, on the other hand, I knowthatbytlie loss of these islands, she would find a decrease of millions in her revenue." " Then the philanthropists must pay the national debt ? " observed Newton, laughing. " They be d — d ! " replied Kingston, who was warm with his argument ; " they would not pay a farthing." ip8 NEWTON FORSTER; OR. CHAPTER XVI. •* The sea-breacli'd vessd can no longer bear The floods that o'er her burst in dread career. The labouring hull.ah'eady seems halfJiWd With cvater, through an hundred leaks distilVd: Thus drenched by every ivave^ her riven deck, Stript and defenceless^ floats a naked wreck r — Falconf.R. Newton remained at Bridgetown, under the roof of Mr. Kingston, for more than three weeks, by which time the brig was laden, and waiting for convoy to proceed to England. Mr. Berecroft had made every preparation for his voyage, when an unexpected circumstance occurred, which eventually proved the occasion of great hardship and danger to Newton. This was, the master of a large ship, belonging to the same owners, and then lying in Carlisle Bay, to proceed homeward by the same convoy, had so ingratiated himself with a wealthy widow residing upon the island, that rather than he should again trust himself to the fickle element, she had been induced to surrender up to him her plantation, her negroes, and her fair self, — all equally bound to honour and obey through their future lives. Mr. Berecroft, in consequence of this resignation of his brother captain, w^as appointed to the command of the larger vessel ; and Jackson, the first-mate, ordered to take the command of the Eliza aiid Jane, This was a sad blow to Newton, and one which he could not avoid, as Mr. Berecroft could not take him in his new ship, — all the subordinate situations being already filled up. At first, he was inclined to quit the brig ; but by the advice of Mr. Berecroft and Kingston, he was persuaded to go the passage home, as he was now first-mate of the vessel, and would incur forfeiture of all wages, if he broke the articles which he had signed at Liverpool. Unpleasant as the prospect was, he was further induced by Berecroft's assurance, that now Jackson was provided for, he would arrange with the owners that Newton should be appointed the first-mate of his own ship, as soon as they arrived in England. In a few days the men-of-war made their appearance. New- ton, who had remained on shore until the last moment, shook THE MERCHANT SERVICE. iog hands With his friendly patron, and thanking Mr. Kingstv)n for his kindness, went on board of the vessel with a sorrowful and foreboding heart. Nor was he at all inclined to cheer up as he stepped on the deck of the brig, and beheld Jackson with a handspike, still brandishing over his head, standing across the body of one of the seamen, whom he had just dashed to the deck with the implement in his hand. At the sight of Newton, the wrath of the new captain appeared to be increased. He eyed him male- volently, and then observed, with a sneer, " That's what all skulkers may expect on board of my vessel." Newton made no answer ; and Jackson went forward, where the remainder of the crew were heaving up the anchor with the windlass. Newton walked up to the seaman, who appeared still insensible, and examined him. The iron plate at the end of the handspike had cut deep into the skull, and there was every appearance of a contusion of the brain. Calling the boy who attended the cabin, Newton, with his assistance, carried the man below, and laid him in his berth. He then repaired on deck, and took the helm, the anchor of the brig being atrip. In a quarter of an hour the sail was on her, and she followed the course steered by the men-of-war, who were about to run through the other islands, and pick up several vessels, who were waiting for their protection. "If you expect an easy berth, as first-mate, you are mistaken, my joker," said Jackson to Newton, as he steered the vessel ; "you've skulked long enough, and shall now work double tides, or take the consequence. If you don't, I'll be d — d ! " " I shall do my duty, Mr. Jackson," replied Newton, "and fear no consequences." " Indeed ! You saw how I settled a skulk just now ;— be- ware of his fate ! " " I neither anticipate it, nor fear it, Mr. Jackson. If it comes to handspikes, two can play at that game. I rather think that before many hours are over you will be sorry for your violence, for I believe that man to be in considerable danger. Even now, I should recommend you to demand surgical assistance from the frigate." " Demand it, if you dare — I am captain of this ship, sir. The rascal may die and be d— d 1 " 110 NEWTON FORSTER; OR. To this disgusting speech Newton made no reply. He had made up his mind to put np with everything short of downright aggression, and for three days more he obeyed all orders, how- ever arbitrary and however annoying. During this period the man who had been injured became gradually worse : his illness increased rapidly ; and on the fifth day he became delirious, and in a state of high fever, when Newton again pointed out the propriety of asking surgical aid from one of the men-of-war. This suggestion was answered by Jackson, who was now really alarmed, with a volley of oaths and execrations, ending with a flat refusal. The crew of the brig murmured, and collected together forward, looking occasionally at the men-of-war as they spoke in whispers to each other ; but they were afraid of Jack- son's violence, and none ventured to speak out. Jackson paced the deck in a state of irritation and excitement, as he listened to the ravings of his victim, which were loud enough to be heard all over the vessel. As the evening closed, the men, taking the opportunity of Jackson's going below, went up to Newton, who was walking aft, and stated their determination that the next morning, whether the master consented to it or not, they would hail the frigate, and demand surgical assistance for their ship- mate. In the midst of the colloquy, Jackson, who hearing the noise overheard of the people coming aft, had a suspicion of the cause, and had been listening at the bottom of the ladder to what was said, came up the hatchway, and accusing Newton of attempting to raise a mutiny, ordered him immediately to his cabin, stating his intention of sending him on board of the frigate the next morning to be placed in confinement. " I shall obey your order," replied Newton, "as you are in command of this vessel. I only hope that you will adhere to your resolution in communicating with the frigate." So saying, he descended the companion hatch. But Jackson, who, both from the information of the cabin- boy, and the fact that the incoherent ravings of his victim became hourly more feeble, thought himself in jeopardy, had no such intention. As the night closed in, he remained on deck, gradually taking off first one sail and then another, until the brig was left far astern of the rest of the convoy, and the next morning there was no other vessel in sight ; then, on pretence of rejoining them, he made all sail, at the same time changing THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 1 1 1 his course, so as to pass between tvvo of the islands. Newton was the only one on board who understood navigation besides Jackson, and therefore the only one who could prove that he was escaping from the convoy. He was in confinement below ; and the men, whatever may have been their suspicions, could not prove that they were not steering as they ought. About twelve o'clock on that day the poor sailor breathed his last. Jackson, w^ho was prepared for the event, had already made up his mind how to proceed. The men murmured, and proposed securing Jackson as a prisoner, and offering the com- mand to Newton. They went below and made the proposal to him ; but he refused, observing, that until it was proved by the laws of the land that Jackson had murdered their shipmate, he was not guilty, and therefore they had no right to dispossess him of his command ; and until their evidence could be taken by some of the authorities, he must remain ; further pointing out to them, that as he could be seized immediately upon his arrival at an English port, or falling in with a man-of-war during their passage, the ends of justice would be equally answered, as if they committed themselves by taking the law into their own hands. The men, although not satisfied, acquiesced, and returned to their duty on deck. Jackson's conduct towards them was now quite altered ; he not only treated them with lenity, but sup- plied them with extra liquor and other indulgences, which, as a captain, he could command. Newton, however, he still detained under an arrest, watching him most carefully each time that he was necessitated to come on deck. The fact was, Jackson, aware that his life would be forfeited to the laws of his country, had resolved to wreck the brig, upon one of the reefs to the northward, then take to his boats, and escape to one of the French islands. At his instigation, the body of the man had been thrown overboard by some of the crew, when they were in a state of half intoxication. Newton, who had been below four days, had retired as usual to his hammock, when a sudden shock, accompanied by the fall of the masts by the board, woke him from a sound sleep to all the horrors of shipwreck. The water pouring rapidly through the sides of the vessel, proved to him that there was no chance of escape except by the boats. The shriek, so awful tl2 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, when raised in the gloom of night by seamen anticipating immediate death, the hurried footsteps above him, the confusion of many voices, with the heavy blows from the waves against the side of the vessel, told him that danger was imminent, even if escape were possible. He drew on his trousers, and rushed to the door of his cabin. Merciful Heaven ! what was his surprise, his horror, to find that it was fastened outside. A moment's thought at the malignity of the wretch (for it was indeed Jackson, who, during the night, had taken such steps for his destruction) was followed by exertions to escape. Placing his shoulders against his sea-chest, and his feet against the door, his body in nearly a horizontal position, he made a violent effort to break open the door. The lock gave way, but the door did not open more than one or two inches ; for Jack- son, to make sure, had coiled down against it a hawser which lay a few yards further forward in the steerage, the weight of which the strength of no five men could remove. Maddened with the idea of perishing by such treachery, Newton again exerted his frantic efforts again and again without success. Between each pause, the voices of the seamen asking for the oars and other articles belonging to the long-boat, proved to him that every moment of delay was a nail in his coffin. Again and again were his efforts repeated with almost superhuman strength ; but the door remained fixed as ever. At last, it occurred to him that the hawser, which he had previously ascertained by passing his hand through the small aperture which he had made, might only lay against the lower part of the door, and that the upper part might be free. He applied his strength above, and found the door to yield : by repeated attempts he at last succeeded in kicking the upper panels to pieces, and having forced his body through the aperture, Newton rushed on deck with the little strength he had remaining. The men — the boat — were not there: he hailed, but they heard him not ; he strained his eyes — but they had disappeared in the gloom of the night ; and Newton, overcome with exhaus- tion and disappointment; fell down senseless on the deck. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 1 13 CHAPTER XVII. *'FaLADORE. — I have heard. Have read bold fables of enorinily. Devised to make men 'wonder, and confirm The abhorrence of our nature ; but this hardness Iransctnds all fiction" — "Law of Lombaidy." We must now relate what had occurred on deck during the struggle of Newton to escape from his prison. At one o'clock Jackson had calculated that in an hour, or less, the brig would strike on the reef. He took the helm from the man who was steering, and told him that he might go below. Previous to this, he had been silently occupied in coiling the hawser before the door of Newton's cabin, it being his intention to desert the brig, with the seamen, in the long-boat, and leave Newton to perish. When the brig dashed upon the reef, which she did with great violence, and the crew hurried upon deck, Jackson, who was calm, immediately proceeded to give the orders which he had already arranged in his mind ; and the coolness with which they were given quieted the alarm of the seamen, and allowed them time to recall their scattered senses. This, how- ever, proved unfortunate to Jackson. Had they all hurried in the boat at once, and shoved off, he would in all probability have been permitted to go with them, and Newton, in the hurry of their self-preservation, would have been forgotten ; but his cool behaviour restored their confidence, and, unhappily for him, gave the seamen time to reflect. Everyone was in the boat ; for Jackson had quietly prepared and put into her what he considered requisite, when one of the men called out for Newton. " D — n Newton now ! — save your own lives, my lads. Quick in the boat, all of you." ** Not without Mr. Newton ! " cried the men, unanimously. "Jump down, Tom Williams, and see where he is; he must sleep devilish sound." The sailor sprung down the companion-hatch, where he found the hawser coiled against the door, and heard Newton struggling inside. It was enough. He hastened on deck, and told his companions; adding, that "it would take half an hour to get I f 14 NE IVTON FORSTER ; OR, the poor fellow out, and that's longer than we dare stay, for in ten minutes the brig will be to pieces." " It is you, you murdering rascal, who did it ! " cried the man to Jackson. '' I tell you what, my lads, if poor Mr. New- ton is to die, let this scoundrel keep him company.'' A general shout proclaimed the acquiescence of the other seamen in this act of retributive justice. Jackson, with a loud oath, attempted to spring into the boat, but was repelled by the seamen; again he made the attempt, with dreadful impreca- tions. He was on the plane-sheer of the brig, and about to make a spring, when a blow from a handspike (the same hand- spike with which he had murdered the unfortunate seaman) struck him senseless, and he fell back into the lee-scuppers. The boat then shoved off, and had not gained more than two cables' lengths from the vessel, when Newton effected his escape, and ran on deck, as narrated in our last chapter. The brig had now beat up so high on the reef that she remained firmly fixed upon it ; and the tide having ebbed con- siderably, she was less exposed to the beating of the waves. The sun was also about to make his appearance, and it was broad daylight when Jackson first came to his recollection. His brain whirled, his ideas were confused, and he had but a faint reminiscence of what had occurred. He felt that the water washed his feet, and with a sort of instinct he rose, and staggered up to windward. In so doing, without perceiving him, he stumbled over the body of Newton, who also was roused up by the shock. A few moments passed before either could regain his scattered senses ; and, at the same time, both sitting up on the deck, at about a yard distant, they discovered and recognized each other. Newton was the more collected of the two, for Jackson's insensibility had been occasioned by bodily — his, by mental concussion. The effect of the blow was still felt by Jackson ; and although recovered from the stupor, a dull, heavy sensation affected his eyesight and confused his ideas. The sight of Newton went far to recover Jackson, who started up as if to grapple with the object of his hatred. Newton was on his legs at the same moment, and retreating, seized upon the handspike, which lay on the deck, close to where Jackson had been struck down, and placed himself in THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 115 an attitude of defence. Not a word was exchanged between them. They remained a few minutes in this position, when Jackson, whose brain was affected by the violence of his feeHngs, dropped down upon the deck in a renev/ed state of insensibiUty. Newton had now time to look about him ; and the prospect was anything but cheering. It was almost low water ; and in every direction he perceived reefs of coral rock, and large banks of sand, with deep channels between them, through which the tide flowed rapidly. The reef upon which the brig had been grounded was of sharp coral ; and, in the deeper parts, the trees could be discerned, extending a submarine forest of boughs ; but it was evident that the reef upon which the vessel lay was, as well as most of the others, covered at high water. As a means of escape, a small boat was still hanging over the stern, which Newton was able to manage either with her sails or her oars, as might be required. As there was no time to be lost, and the only chance of escape remained with the boat, Newton commenced his arrangements. The mast and sails were found, and the latter bent ; — a keg was filled with water, — a compass taken out of the binnacle, — a few pieces of beef, and some bread collected in a bag, and thrown in. He also procured some bottles of wine and .cider from the cabin : these he stowed away carefully in the little locker, which was fitted under the stern-sheets of the boat. In an hour everything was ready : and throwing into her some pieces of spare rope, and a small grapnel to anchor with, there being still sufficient water alongside to float her, Newton gradually lowered one tackle and then another, until the boat was safe in the water. He then hauled her up along- side, made her fast by the painter, and stepped her mast. All was now ready — but to leave Jackson to be washed away by the returning tide, when the brig would unquestionably go to pieces ! — Newton could not do it. True, he had sought his life, and still displayed the most inveterate rancour towards him ; and Newton felt convinced that no future opportunity would occur that his enemy would not profit by, to insure his destruction. Yet to leave him — a murderer ! — with all his sins upon his soul, to be launched so unprepared into the presence of an offended Creator 1— it was impossible — it was contrary Ii6 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR^ to his nature, and to the religion which he professed. How could he hope for the Divine assistance in his perilous under- taking, when he embarked on it, regardless of the precept to forgive his enemy ? Newton ascended to that part of the deck where Jackson laiH, and roused him. Jackson awoke, as from a deep sleep, and then stared at Newton, who, as a precaution, held the handspike in his hand. " Mr. Jackson," said Newton, " I have roused you to let you know that the boat is now ready, and that I am going to shove off." Jackson, who recollected the scene of the previous night, and perceived Newton standing over him with the handspike, appeared wholly unnerved. In point of muscular power Newton was his superior, independent of the weapon in his possession. " Not without me ! — not without me ! " cried Jackson, raising himself upon his knees. " For mercy's sake, Mr. Newton, do not leave me to this horrid death ! " "You would have left me to one even more dreadful,** replied Newton. " I beg your pardon ! — Pardon me, Mr. Newton, I was drunk at the time — indeed I was. I don't know what I do when I'm in liquor. — Don't leave me ! — I'll obey your orders, and do anything you wish ! — I'll wait upon you as your servant ! — I will, indeed, Mr. Newton ! " " I neither ask that you will obey my orders, nor wait upon me," replied Newton. " All I request is, that you will lay aside your wanton animosity, and exert yourself to save your life. For what you have already attempted against me, may God forgive you, as I do ! For what you may hereafter attempt, you will find me prepared. Now follow into the boat." Without further exchange of words, Newton, followed by Jackson, went into the boat, and shoved off. The weather was moderate and the wind light. There were two islets which Newton had marked, which apparently were not covered at high water, one about ten miles distant in the supposed direc- tion of the land, for Newton had shrewdly guessed the locality of the reef; and the other about two miles from the first, THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 1 1 7 further out, with trees growing to the water's erfge. To this latter Newton proposed pulHng, and waiting there untd the next morning. When they were both in the boat, Newton finding that the wind was contrary, unshipped the mast, and taking the foremost oar, that Jackson might not sit behind him, desired him to take the other. The tide, which was now flood, and swept out to the southward, obliged them to pull at an angle to re icli their intended destination. It was not until sunset that, with great exertion, they fetched the island ne.arest to the land, not the one that was covered with trees, as they had intended. As soon as the boat was secured, exhausted with fatigue, they both threw themselves down on the sand, where they remained for some time. Having recovered a little, Newton procured from the boat some of the supplies which they required, and after satisfying their hunger in silence, they both lay down to repose. Newton, who was still afraid of Jackson's diabolical enmity, which his silence implied to be again at work, closed his eyes, and pretended for some time to be asleep. As soon as it was dark, he rose, and first li')tcning to the breathing of his comrade, who appeared to be in a sound slumber, he walked away from him about one hundred yards, so that it would be difficult to find him ; he placed the handspike under his head for a pillow, and worn out with mental and bodily fatigue, was soon in a state of oblivion. I His sleep, although profound for three or four hours, was subsequently restless. The mind, when agitated, watches for the body, and wakes it at the time when it should be on the alert. Newton woke up : it was not yet daylight, and all was hushed. He turned round, intending to get up immediately; yet, yielding to the impulse of wearied nature, he again slum- bered. Once he thought that he heard a footstep, roused himself, and listened ; but all was quiet and still, except the light wave rippling on the sand. Again he was roused by a sort of grating noise ; he listened, and all was quiet. A third time he was roused by a sound like the flapping of a sail : he listened — he was sure of it, and he sprang upon his feet. It was dawn of day, and as he turned his eyes towards the beach, he perceived to his horror that the boat was indeed under sail, Jackson, who was in it, then just hauling aft the main-sheet, and steering away from the island. Newton ran to the beach, ii# NEWTON F0RS7ER; OR, plunged into the sea, and attempted to regain the boat ; but he was soon out of his depth, and the boat running away fast through the water. He shouted to Jackson as a last attempt. The scoundrel waved his hand in ironical adieu, and continued his course. *^ Treacherous villain ! " mentally exclaimed Newton, as his eyes followed the boat. " Was it for this that I preserved your life, in return for your attempts on mine ? Here, then, must I die of starvation ! — God's will be done ! " exclaimed he aloud, as he sat down on the beach, and covered his face with his hands. CHAPTER XVni. ** For now I stand as one up07t a rock. Environed with a wildertiess of sea, Who marks the waxing tide groiv wave by wave, Expecting ever when some envious su7'ge Will in his brinish boivels szuallow him." — ShakspearE, The tide was on the ebb when Newton was left in this desolate situation. After some minutes passed in bitterness of spirit, his natural courage returned; and, although the chance of preservation was next to hopeless, Newton rose up, resolved that he would use his best efforts, and trust to Providence for their success. His first idea was to examine the beach, and see if Jackson had left him any portion of the provisions which he had put into the boat ; but there was nothing. He then walked along the beach, following the receding tide, with the hope of collecting any shell-fish which might be left upon the sands ; but here again he was disappointed. It was evident, therefore, that to stay on this islet was to starve ; his only chance appeared to remain in his capability of reaching the islet next to it, which, as we have before mentioned, was covered with trees. There, at least, he might find some means of sus- tenance, and be able with the wood to make a raft, if nothing better should turn up in his favour. The tide swept down towards the islet, but it ran so strong that there was no chance of his being carried past it ; he there- fore determined to wait for ah hour or two, until the strength THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 119 of the current was diminished, and then make the attempt This interval was passed in strengthening his mind against the horror of the almost positive death which stared him in the face. It was about an hour before low water that Newton walked into the sea, and, commending himself to Providence, struck out for the islet, keeping his course well to windward, to allow for the tide sweeping him down. To use a nautical phrase, he " held his own " extremely well, until he reached the centre of the channel, where the water ran with great velocity, and bore him down rapidly with the stream. Newton struggled hard ; for he was aware that the strength of the current once passed, his labour would be comparatively easy; and so it proved : as he neared the shore of the islet, he made good way; but he had been carried down so far when in the centre of the stream that it became a nice point, even to the calculation of hope, whether he would fetch the extreme point of the islet. Newton redoubled his exertions, when, within thirty yards of the shore, an eddy assisted him, and he made sure of success ; but when within ten yards, a counter current again cauglit him, and swept him down. He was now abreast of the very extreme point of the islet ; a bush that hung over the water was his only hope ; with three or four desperate strokes he exhausted his remaining strength, at the same time that he seized hold of a small bough. It was decayed — snapped asunder, and Newton was whirled away by the current into the broad ocean. How constantly do we find people running into real danger to avoid imaginary evil ! A mother will not permit her child to go to sea, lest it should be drowned, and a few days after- v/ards it is kicked to death by a horse. Had the child been permitted to go afloat, he might have lived and run through the usual term of existence. Wherever we are, or wherever we may go, there is death awaiting us in some shape or another, sooner or later; and there is as much danger in walking through the streets of I^ondon as in ploughing the foaming ocean. Every tile over our heads contains a death within it as certain, if it were to fall upon us, as that occasioned by the angry surge which swallows us up in its wrath. I believe, after all, that as many sailors, in proportion, run out their allotted 120 NEWTOM PORSTER ; OR, span as the rest of the world that are engaged in other apparently less dangerous professions ; although it must be acknowledged that occasionally we do become food for fishes. " There is a tide in the affairs of men/' says Shakspeare ; but, certainly, of all the tides that ever interfered in a man's pros- pects, that which swept away Newton Forster appeared to be the least likely to " lead to fortune." Such, however, was the case. Had Newton gained the islet which he coveted, he would have perished miserably ; whereas it will soon appear that, although his sufferings are not yet ended, his being car- ried away was the most fortunate circumstance which could have occurred, and proved the means of his ultimate pre- servation. Newton had resigned himself to his fate. He ceased from further exertion, except such as was necessary to keep him above water a little longer. Throwing himself on his back, he appealed to Heaven for pardon, as he floated away wiih the stream. That Newton had as few errors and follies to answer for as most people, is most certain ; yet even the most perfect soon run up a long account. During our lives our sins are forgotten, as is the time at which they are committed ; but when death is certain, or appears to be so, it is then that the memory becomes most horribly perfect, and each item of our monstrous bill requires but a few seconds to be read, and to be acknowledged as too correct. This is the horror of death; this it is which makes the body struggle to retain the soul, already pluming herself and rusding her wings, impatient for her flight. This it is which constitutes the pang of separation, as the enfeebled body gradually relaxes its hold, and — all is over, at least on this side of the grave. Newton's strength was exhausted ; his eyes were fixed on the clear blue sky, as if to bid it farewell ; and, resigned to his fate, he was about to give over the last few painful efforts which he was aware could only prolong, not save his life, when he received a blow on his shoulder under the water. Imagining that it proceeded from the tail of a shark, or of some other of the ravenous monsters of the deep which abound among these islands, and that the next moment his body would be severed in half, he uttered a faint cry at the accumu- lated horror of his death ; but the next moment his legs were THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 121 swung round by the current, and he perceived, to his astonish- ment, that he was aground upon one of the sand-banks which abounded on the reef, and over which the tide was running with the velocity of a sluice. He floundered, then rose, and found himself in about one foot of watei. The e'ub-tide was nearly finished ; and this was one of the banks which never showed itself above water, except during the full and change of the moon. It was now about nine o'clock in the morning and the sun shone with great power. Newton, faint from want of sustenance, hardly knew whether to consider this temporary respite as an advantage. He knew that the tide would soon flow again, and he felt that his strength was too much spent to enable him to swim back to the islet which he had missed when he had attempted to reach it, and which was more than two miles from the bank upon which he then stood. What chance had he, ihei/, but to be swept away by the return of the tide ? He almost regretted that it had not been a shark in- stead of the sand-bank which had struck him ; he would then have been spared a few hours of protracted misery. As Newton had forseen, the ebb-tide was soon over ; a short pause of " slack water " ensued, and there w^as an evident and rapid increase of the water around him : the wind, too, freshened, and the surface of the ocean was in strong ripples. As the water deepened, so did the waves increase in size: every moment added to his despair. He had now remained about four hours on the bank ! the water had risen to underneath his arms, the waves nearly lifted him ofl" his feet, and it was with difficulty that he could retain his position. Hope deserted him, and his senses became confused. He thought that he saw green fields, and cities, and inhabitants. His reason was departing ; he saw his father coming down to him with the tide, and called to him for help, w^hen the actual sight of something recalled him from his temporary aberration. There was a dark object upon the water, evidently approaching. His respiration was almost suspended as he watched its coming. At last he distinguished that it must either be a whale asleep, or a boat bottom up. Fortunately for Newton, it proved to be the latter At last it was brought down by the tide to within a few yards of him, and appeared to be checked. Newton dashed out towards the boat, and in a minute was safely astride upon it. 122 NEIV7VN FORSTER; OR, As soon as lie had recovered a little from his agitation, he perceived that it was the very boat belonging to the brig, in which Jackson had so treacherously deserted and left him on the island! At three o'clock it was high water, and at five the water had again retreated, so that Newton could quit his station on the bottom of the boat, and walk round her. He then righted her, and discovered that the mast had been carried away close to the step, but, with the sail, still remained fast to the boat by the main-sheet, which had jammed on the belaying pin, so that it still was serviceable. Everything else had been lost out of the boat, except the grapnel, which had been bent, and which hanging down in the water, from the boat being capsized, had brought it up when it was floated on the sand-bank. Newton, who had neither eaten nor drunk since the night before, was again in despair, tormented as he was by insufferable thirst : when he observed that the locker under the stern-sheets was closed. He hastened to pull it open, and found that the bottles of wine and cider that he had deposited there were remaining. A bottle of the latter was soon poured down his throat, and Newton felt as if restored to his former vigour. At seven o'clock in the evening the boat was nearly high and dry. Newton baled her out, and, fixing the grapnel firmly in the sand, lay down to sleep in the stern-sheets, covered over with the sail. His sleep was so sound that he did not wake until six o'clock the next morning; when the boat was again aground. He refreshed himself with some wine, and meditated upon his prospects. Thanking Heaven for a renewed chance of escape, and lamenting over the fate of the unprepared Jackson, who had evidently been upset, from the main-sheet having been jammed, Newton resolved to make for one of the English isles, which he knew to be about two hundred miles distant. The oars had been lost, but the rudder of the boat was fortunately made fast by a pennant. In the afternoon he drew up his grapnel, and made sail in the direction, as well as he could judge from the position of the sun, to the English isles. As the night closed in, he watched the stars, and steered his course by them. The next day came, and, although the boat sailed well, and THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 123 went fast before a free wind, no land was in sight. Newton had again recourse to the cider and the wine. The second night he could hardly keep his eyes open ; yet, wearied as he was, he slill continued his course, and never quitted his helm. The day again dawned, and Newton's strength was gone, from constant watching ; still he bore up against it, until the sun had set. No land was yet to be seen, and sleep overpowered him. He took a hitch of the main-sheet round his finger, that, should the breeze freshen, he might be roused, in case he should go to sleep; and, having taken this precaution, in a few minutes the boat was steering herself. CHAPTER XIX. ^^ But man., proud man^ Dressed in a little brief authorityy Most ignorant of what he's most assured^ His glassy essence^ like an angry ape. Plays such fantastic tricks before high Heaven. ^^ Shakspeare. The reef upon which the brig had been wrecked was one of those extending along the southward of the Virgin Isles. Newton had intended to steer well to the eastward, with the view of reaching one of the northernmost English colonies ; but not having a compass, he naturally was not very equal in his course. The fact was that he steered well to the southward of it ; and after he fell asleep, the boat ran away still farther off her course, for she was on the larboard tack, and having no weight in her except Newton, who was aft in the stern-sheets, she did not feel inclined to keep her wind. Newton's sleep was so profound that neither the pulling of the main-sheet, which he held with a round turn round his hand, nor the dancing of the boat, which during the night had run fast before an increasing breeze, roused him from his lethargy. On sailed the boat, left to the steerage of Providence; on slept Newton, as if putting firm reliance on the same. It was not until the break of day that his repose was very abruptly broken by a shock, which threw him from the stern-sheets of the boat, right over the aftermost thwart. Newton recovered his legs and his 124 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, senses, and found himse]f alongside of a vessel. He had run stem on to a small schooner, which was lying at anchor. As the boat was drifting fast by, Newton made a spring, and gained the deck of the vessel. " Ah ! mon Dieu ! — les Anglais — les Anglais ; nous sommes prisonniers!^' cried out the only man on deck, jumping on his feet, and making a percipitare dive below. The vessel, of which Newton had thus taken possession, was one employed in carrying the sugars from the plantations round to Basseterre (the port of Guadaloupe), there to be shipped for Europe, — Newton's boat having run away so far to the southward, as to make this island. She was lying at anchor off the mouth of a small river, waiting for a cargo. It happened that the crew of the schooner, who were all slaves, were exactly in the same situation as Newton, when their vessels came in contact — viz., fast asleep. The shock had awakened them ; but they were all below, except the one who had kept such a remarkably good watch. Exhausted as Newton was, he could not but smile at his uninterrupted possession of the vessel's decks. Anxious to have communication with the people on board, he sat down, awaiting their coming up from below. In a minute or two, a black head was seen to rise slowly and fearfully out of the fore- scuttle ; then it disappeared. Another rose up and went down, again as before ; and thus it went on until Newton reckoned ten different faces. Having individually ascertained that there was but one man, and that one not provided with any weapons, the negroes assumed a degree of courage. The first head that had made its appearance, the woolly hair of which was of a grisly gray from age, was again popped up the for^-scuttle, with an interrogatory to Newton, in French, who he was, and what he wanted? Newton, who did not understand a word of the language, shook his head, and, opening his hands and extend- ing his arms, to show that he had no means of defence, he beckoned to them to come up. The man's head had again disappeared, and, after a little demur, nine or ten negroes crawled up out of the fore scuttle, one after another, each with some weapon or another, by way of security. They remained on the forecastle of the vessel until the last was up; and then at a nod given by their grizzle-headed leader, they advanced THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 125 aft, in a body, towards Newton. Newton rose and pointed to the boat, which had now drifted about a quarter of a mile astern. He then made signs, to give them to understand that he had been wrecked. " Apparemment c'est un pauvre miserable, qui a fait nauf- rage," observed the old nci^ro, who appeared to have the charge of the vessel ; " Gustave Adolphe, tu paries bien TAnglais; demandez-lui les nouvelles," continued the old man, folding his arms across, and looking very big indeed, as he reclined against the mainmast of the vessel Gustave Adolphe stood forward from the rest of the negroes. He was a short, fat, shiny-faced fellow, with his hair pl.itted into about fifty little tails. He first bowed to his old com- mander, then placing his arms akimbo, walked up to Newton, and looking him full in the face, commenced his duty of inter- preter, as follows: — ** I say—God dam '' Newton smiled. " Oui, monsieur, e'est un Anglais.'' " Continuez, Gustave Adolphe," replied the old negro, with a majestic air. Gustave Adolphe, with another bow, resumed : ** I say — where com ? " "Barbados," replied Newton. " Monsieur, il vient de Barbados.'* *' Continuez, Gustave Adolphe,'* replied his superior, with a wave of his hand. " I say — where go ? " " Where go ? " replied Newton, " go to the bottom.** " Monsieur, il allait au port de Bo — tom." "Bo— torn," repeated the old negro. "Oli, diable, est 9a?" Here a general consultation was held, by which it appeared that such a port had never been heard of in the West Indies. " Gustave Adolphe, demandez-lui si c'est un port Anglais." " I say — Bo — tom — English port ? " "No," replied Newton, amused with the mistake; I "should rather call it neutral ^ " C'est un port neutral, monsieur." " Gustave Adolphe, demandez-lui de quelle ile/' " I say, what ile — Bo — tom ? " 126 NEWTON FORS J ER; OR, Newton, who was faint with hunger and thirst, was not indined at the moment to continue the conversation, which otherwise would have been a source of amusement. He repHed by making signs that he wished to eat and drink. " Monsieur,'' said Gustave Adolphe to the old negro, " le prisonnier refuse de faire reponse, et demande k manger et k boire." " Va Ten chercher, Gustave Adolphe," replied the old man. "Allons, messieurs," continued he, addressing the other negroes. *^ II faut lever Fancre de suite, et amener notre prisonnier aux autorites ; Charles Philippe, va chercher mon porte voix." The negro captain walked up and down the deck of the schooner, a vessel about thirty feet long, until Charles Philippe made his appearance with the speaking-trumpet. He then proceeded to get the vessel under weigh, with more noise and fuss than is to be heard when the proudest three-decker in the English navy expands her lofty canvas to the gale. Gustave Adolphe, in obedience to the commands he had received, brought up to Newton a bunch of bananas, a large piece of salt fish, and a calabash of water. The latter was immediately applied to his lips, and never removed while a drop remained, much to the astonishment of the negro, who again sported his English. " I say — very good — ab more ?" *' If you please,'^ replied Newton. ^* Monsieur," said Gustave Adolphe to his commander, " le prisonnier a soif, et demande encore de Teau.'* ** Va Ten chercher done," replied the old negro, with a wave of his speaking-trumpet. " Charles Philippe, attention \ la barre,'^ sans venir au vent, s'ik vous plait. Matelots f du gaillard d'avant," continued he, roaring through his speaking- trumpet ! " bordez le grand foe." In the space of two hours, the schooner w^as brought to an anchor, with as much noise and importance as she had been got under weigh. A boat, capable of holding three people — one rower and two sitters — was shoved off the vessel's deck, and the negro captain, having first descended to his cabin fot * Mind your weather-helm. + Forecastlemen, haul aft the jib-sheet. ™'' 7 HE MERCHANT SERVICE. 127 a few minutes, returned on deck dressed in the extremity of their fashion, and ordered the boat to be manned. Gustave Adolphe accordingly manned the boat with his own person, and the negro captain poHtely waved his hand for Newton to enter; and then, following himself, Gustave Adolphe rowed to a landing-place, about twenty yards from the schooner. *' Gustave Adolphe, suivez en arriere, et gardez bien que le prisonnier n'echappe pas ; " so saying, monsieur le capitaine led the way to a large white house and buildings, about two hundred yards from the river's banks. On their arrival, Newton was surrounded by twenty or thirty slaves of both sexes, who chattered and jabbered a thousand questions con- cerning him to the negro captain and Gustave Adolphe, neither of whom condescended to reply. " Monsieur de Fontanges, ou est-il ? " inquired the old negro. " Monsieur dort," replied a little female voice. The captain was taken aback at this unfortunate circum- stance ; for no one dared to wake their master. " Et madame ? " inquired he. " Madame est dans sa chambre." There again he was floored — he could not venture there ; so he conducted Newton, who was not very sorry to escape from the burning rays of the sun, to his own habitation, where an old negress, his wife, soon obtained from the negro that informiftion relative to the capture of Newton which the bevy of slaves in the yard had attempted in vain : but wives have winning ways with them 1 CHAPTER XX. ** What elegance and grandeur wide expand. The pride of Turkey and of Persia land! Soft quilts on quilts^ on carpets carpets spread^ And couches stretched around in seemly bandy And endless pillows rise to prop the head. « ** ♦"* * Here la7tguid Beauty kept her pale-faced court'* — Thomson. The female slaves who could not obtain the history of Newton mmediately repaired to the chamber of their mistress, know- 128 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, ing that if they could succeed in raising her curiosity, they would at the same time gratify their own. Madame de Fon- tanges was, as they asserted, in her chamber, or, what may now be more correctly styled, her boudoir. It was a room about fourteen feet square, the sides of which were covered with a beautiful paper, representing portions of the history of Paul and Virginia : the floor was covered with fine matting, with here and there a small Persian carpet above it. Small marble tables were decorated with a variety of ornaments and French perfumes, or vases filled with the splendid flowers of a tropical clime. There was a large window at each end of the room, cut down to the ground, in the French fashion, and out- side of both was a little balcony — the trellice-work covered with passion-flower and clematis. The doors and other com- part ne Us of the room were not papered, but had French mirrors let into the pannelHng. On a low ottoman, of elegant workmanship, covered with a damask French silk, reposed Madame de Fontanges, attended by three or tour young female slaves, ofdifl*erent complexions, but none of pure African blood. Others were seated upon the different Persian carpets about the room, in listless idleness, or strewing the petals of the orange- flower, to perfume the apartment with its odour. The only negro was a little boy, about six years of age, dressed in a fantastic costume, who sat in a corner, apparently in a very sulky humour. Madame de Fontanges was a Creole, — that is, born in the West Indies, of French parents. She had been sent home to France for her education, and had returned at the age of fourteen to Guadaloupe, where she soon alter married Mon- sieur de Fontanges, an officer of rank, and brother to the governor of the island. Her form was diminutive, but most perfect ; her hand and arm models for the statuary ; while her feet were so small as almost to excite risibility when you observed them. Her features were regular, and when raised from their usual listnessness, full of expression. Large hazel eyes, beauti- fully pencilled eyebrows, with long fringed eyelashes, dark and luxuriant hair, Grecian nose, small mouth, with thin coral lips, were set off by a complexion which even the climate could not destroy, although it softened it into extreme delicacy. THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 129 Such was the person of Madame de Fontanges, now about eighteen years old, and one of the most beautiful specimens of the French Creole which could be imagined. Her perfect little figure needed no support; she was simply attired in a muslin robe de cha77ibre^ as she reposed upon the ottoman, wait- ing with all the impatience of her caste for the setting in of the sea breeze, which would give some relief from the oppres- sive heat of the climate. " Eventez ! Nina, eventez ! " cried she to one of her attend- ants, who was standing at the head of the sofa, with a large feather fan. " Oui, madame," replied the girl, stirring up the dormant atmosphere. " Eventez ! Caroline, dventez mes mains, vite." "Oui, madame," replied the second, working away with another fan. " Eventez ! Eventez mes pieds, Mimi." " Oui, madame," replied the third, fanning in the direction pointed out. "Louise," said Madame de Fontanges, languidly, after a short pause, **apportez-moi de Teau sucree." *' Oui, madame," repUed another, rising, in obedience to the order. " Non, non ! Je n'en veux pas — ^mais j'ai soif horrible. Manchette, va chercherde I'eau cerise." " Oui, madame," replied Manchette, rising from her seat. But she had not quitted the room before Madame de Fontanges had changed her mind. " Attendez, Manchette. Ce nVst pas ga. Je voudrais de limonade. Charlotte, va Ten chei :ner." " Oui, madame," said Charlotte, leaving the room to exe- cute the order. "Ah, mon Dieu ! qu'il fait une chaleur ^pouvantable. Mimi, que tu es paresseuse ? Eventez ! vite, vite. Ou est Monsieur ? " " Monsieur dort." "Ah ! qu'il est heureux. Et Cupidon— oil est-il?" " 11 est ici, au coin, madame. 11 boude." " Qu'est-ce qu'il a fait done ?" "Ah, madame II a vole' le dindon roti, et I'a tout mangd" K 130 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, '^Ah, le petit polisson ! Venez ici, Cupidon." Cupidon, the little negro-boy we have before mentioned as sitting in the corner of the room, walked up with a very delibe- rate pace to the side of the ottoman, his two thick lips stick- ing out about six inches in advance of the remainder of his person. " Cupidon," said the lady, turning a little on one side to him, " tu as mange le dindon entier. Tu as mal fait, mon ami. Tu seras malade. Comprends-tu, Cupidon, c'est una sottise que tu as fait ? " Cupidon made no reply ; his head was hung down a little lower, and his lips extended a little farther out. *'Sache qi e tu es un petit voleur ! '* continued his mistress. Cupidon did not condescend to answer. "AJiez, monsieur; ne m'approchez pas." Cupidon turned short round without reply, and walked back to his corner with the same deliberate pace as before, when he came out of it. Charlotte now returned with the lemonade for which she had been despatched, and informed her mistress as she presented it, that Nicholas, who had charge of the schooner, had returned with an European prisoner \ but that neither he nor Gustave would give her any further information, although she had requested it in the name of her mistress. This was quite an event, and gave a fillip to the inertness of Madame de Fontanges, whose curiosity was excited. "A-t-il bonne mine, Charlotte?" " Qui, madame, c'est un bel homme." "Etoiiest-il?" " Avec Nicholas." *^Et Monsieur?" " Monsieur dort." " 11 faut I'eveiller. Faites bien mes compliments a Mon- sieur de Fontanges, et dites-lui que je me trouve fort malade, et que je voudrais lui parler. Entends-tu, Celeste; je parn a toi." "Qui, madame," replied the girl, throwing some orange flowers off her lap, and rising to deliver her message. M. de Fontanges, who, like most of the Europeans, slept through the hottest portion of the day, rose in compliance HIE MERCHANT SER VICE. 131 with his Vv'ife's message, and made his appearance in the boudoir, dressed in a white cotton jacket and trousers. A few polite inquiries after the health of Madame de Fontanges, which, as he had conjectured from similar previous occurrences, was not Avorse than usual, were followed by his receiving from her the mformation of Newton's arrival, coupled wdth an observation, that it would amuse her if the prisoner were interrogated in her presence. Newton was summoned to the boudoir, where M. de Fon- tanges, who spoke very good English, received from him the history of his disasters, and translated them into French, to gratify the curiosity of his wife. " C'est un beau gargon," observed M. de Fontanges. " Mais quoi faire ? II est prisonnier. II faut Tenvoyer h. mon frere, le gouverneur." " II est joli gargon," replied Madame de Fontanges. "Donnez-lui des habits, Fontanges; et ne Fenvoyez pas encore." " Et pourquoi, mon amie ? " ** Je voudrais lui apprendre le Frangais." " Cela ne se pent pas, ma chere ; il est prisonnier.'' " Cela se pent. Monsieur de Fontanges,'* replied the lady. '* Je n'ose pas," continued the husband. ** Moi j*ose," replied the lady, decidedly. " Je ne voudrais pas," said the gentleman. ** Moi, je veux," interrupted the lady. **Mais il faut etre raisonnable, madame/' " II faut m'obeir, monsieur.'* " Mais " " Pschut ! " replied the lady ; " c'est une affaire ddcidee. Monsieur le gouverneur ne parle pas T Anglais. C'est absolu- merit necessaire que le jeune homme apprenne notre langue ; et c'est mon plaisir de I'enseigner. Au revoir, Monsieur de Fontanges. Charlotte, va chercher des habits." 132 NEWTON FORSTER: OR. CHAPTER XXI. * * ' Tis pleasing to be schootd m a strange tongue By female lips and eyes ; that is, 1 7nean IV/ien both the teacher and the taught are youngs As was the case, at least, where I had been. They smile so lohen onis right, and when one^s wrong They smile still more.^'' — Byron. M. DE FoNTANGES, aware of the impetuosity and caprice of his wife (at the same time that he acknowledged her many redeeming good qiiaUties), did not further attempt to thwart her incUnations. His great objection to her plan was the impropriety of retaining a prisoner whom he was bound to give up to the proper authorities. He made a virtue of necessity, and having acquainted Newton with the wish of Madame de Fontanges, requested his parole of honour that he wou-d not attempt to escape, if he was not delivered up to the authorities, and remain some time at Lieu Desire. Newton, who had no wish to be acquainted with a French cachot sooner than it was absolutely necessary, gave the promise required by M. de Fontanges, assuring him that ingratitude was not a part of his character. M. de Fontanges then requested that Newton would accept of a portion of his wardrobe, which he would direct to be sent to the room that would be prepared for him. This affair being arranged, Newton made his bow to the lady, and in company with M. de Fontanges, retired from the boudoir. It may be suspected by the reader, that Madame de Fon- tanges was one of those ladies who cared a great deal about having her own way, and very little for her husband. As to the first part of the accusation, I can only observe that I never yet had the fortune to fall in with any lady who did not try all she could to have her own way, nor do I conceive it to be a crime. As to the second, if the reader has formed that supposition, he is much mistaken. Madame de Fontanges was very much attached to her husband, and the attachment as well as the confidence was reciprocal. It was not, therefore, from any feeling of jealousy that M. de Fontanges had combated her resolution ; but, as we have before observed, from a conviction that he was wanting in his THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 133 duty, when he did not report the arrival of Newton at the plantation. The wish of Madame de Fontanges to deiain Newton was, as she declared, a caprice on her part, which had entertd her head, to amuse herself by teaching him French. It is true that had not Newton been remarkably prepossessing in his appearance, the idea would in all probability have never been conceived \ but, observing that he was much above the common class, and wishing to relieve the monotony of her life by anything which would create amusement, she had formed the idea, which, when combated by her husband, was immediately strengthened to a resolution. Of this Newton received the benefit. An excellent dinner or rather supper with M. de Fontanges, a comfortable bed in a room supplied with all that convenience or luxury could demand, enabled him to pass a very different night from those which we have lately described. About twelve o'clock the ensuing day, Newton was sum- moned by one of the slave girls to the boudoir of Madame de Fontanges. He found her on the ottoman, as before. Newton, who had been operated upon by a black barber, and was dressed in the habiliments of M. de Fontanges, made a much more respectable appearance than upon his former intro- duction. " Bon jour, monsieur," said the lady. Newton bowed respectfully. " Comment vous appelez-vous ? " Newton, not understanding, answered with another bow. " Le jeune homme n'entends pas, madame," observed Mimi. " Que c'est ennuyant. Monsieur," said Madame Fontanges, pointing to herself, " moi, — Madame de Fontanges: vous?" pointing to him. " Newton Forster." *' Nu-tong Fasta — ah, c'est bon ; cela commence," said the lady. " Allons, mes enfans, repetez-lui tous vos noms." ** Moi — Mimi," said the girl bearing that name, going up to Newton, and pointing to herself. - " Mimi," repeated Newton, with a smile and nod of his head. ' " Moi— Charlotte." " Moi — Louise." 134 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, '' Moi— Celeste.'' " Moi— Nina." " Moi— Caroline." " Moi— Manchette.'' *' Et moi — Cupidon," finished the little black boy, running up, and then retreating as fast back into his corner. Newton repeated all the names, as the individuals respec- tively introduced themselves to him. Then, there was a pause, during which, at the desire of Madame de Fontanges, Newton was offered a chair, and sat down. "Allons, dites-lui les noms de toute la garniture,'^ said Madame de Fontanges to her attendants. " Oui, madame,'' said Mimi, going up to Newton, and, pointing to the fan in her hand, — *' eventail." " Even tail," repeated Newton, who began to be amused, and who now repeated every French word after them. " Flacon," said Charlotte, showing him the eau-de-Cologne bottle. " Chaise,'* cried Louise, holding up a chair. "Livre," said Nina, pointing to a book. " Mouchoir," said Caroline, holding up an embroidered handkerchief. " Montre," followed up Manchette, pointing to her mistress's watch. '^ Canape," cried Celeste, pointing to the ottoman. " Joli gargon," bawled out Cupidon, coming up to Newton, and pointing to himself. This created a laugh, and then the lesson was continued. Every article in the room was successively pointed out to Newton, and he was obliged to repeat the name; and after- wards the articles of their dress were resorted to, much to his amusement. Then, there was a dead stand ; — the fact is that there is no talking with noun substantives only. " Ah ! mon Dieu ! il faut envoyer pour Monsieur de Fon- tanges," cried the lady; "va le chercber, Louise," M. de Fontanges soon made his appearance, when the lady explained to him their dilemma, and requested his assistance. • M. de Fontanges laughed, and explained to Newton, and then, by means of his interpretation, connected sentences were made, according to the fancy of the lady, some of which were the THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 135 cause of great merriment. After an hour, the gentlemen made their bows. " I think," observed M. de Fontanges, as they walked away, **that if you really are as anxious to learn our language as madame is to teach you, you had better come to me every morning for an hour. I shall have great pleasure in giving you any assistance in my power, and I trust that in a very short time, with a little study of the grammar and dictionary, you will be able to hold a conversation with Madame de Fon- tanges, or even with her dark-complexioned page." Newton expressed his acknowledgments, and the next day he received his first lesson ; after which he was summoned to support the theory by practice in the boudoir of Madame de Fontanges. It is hardly necessary to observe that each day increased the faciUty of communication. For three months Newton was domiciled with Monsieur and Madame Fontanges, both of whom had gradually formed such an attachment to him, that the idea of parting never entered their head. He was now a very tolerable French scholar, and his narratives and adventures were to his benefactors a source of amusement, which amply repaid them for the trouble and kindness which they had shown to him. Newton was, in fact, a general favourite with every one on the plantation, from the highest to the lowest; and his presence received the same smile of welcome at the cottage of the slave as at the boudoir of Madame de Fontanges. Whatever may have been the result of Newton's observa- tions relative to slavery in the English colonies, his feelings of dislike insensibly wore away during his residence at LieU Desire ; there he was at least convinced that a slave might be perfectly happy. It must be acknowledged that the French have invariably proved the kindest and most considerate of masters, and the state of bondage is much mitigated in the islands which appertain to that nation. The reason is obvious : in France, there is a bo?iho77nme^ a degree of equality, esta- blished between the different grades of society by universal politeness. A French servant is familiar with his master at the same time that he is respectful : and the master, in return, condescends to his interior without forgetting their relative positions. This runs through society in general; and as no 136 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, one can well be polite without some goodnature (for polite- ness, frivolous as it may appear, is a strong check upon those feelings of selfishness, too apt to be indulged in), it leads to a general feeling of good-will towards others. This has naturally- been practised by Frenchmen wherever they may be ; and the consequence is that the slaves are treated with more con- sideration, and, in return, have warmer feelings of attachment towards their owners than are to be found in colonies belong- ing to other nations. Newton perceived and acknowledged this, and, comparing the condition of the people at Lieu Desire with that of most of the peasantry of Europe, was un- wilhngly obliged to confess that the former were in every respect the more fortunate and the more happy of the two. One morning, soon after Newton had breakfasted with M. de Fontanges, and had been summoned to the boudoir, a letter was brought in. It was from the governor to M. de Fontanges, stating that he had heard with great surprise that M. de Fon- tanges concealed an English prisoner in his house, and desiring that he might be immediately sent up to head-quarters. That there might be no delay or refusal, a corporal, accompanied by two file of men, brought down the intimation to the plantation. Newton was in the very middle of a long story, Madame de Fontanges on the ottoman, and her attendants collected round her, seated on the floor — even Cupidon had advanced from his corner to within half distance, his mouth and eyes wide open, when M. de Fontanges entered the boudoir, with anxiety and chagrin expressed in his countenance. " Qa'est-ce qu*il y a, mon ami?'' said Madame de Fontanges, rising hastily, and running up to her husband. M. de Fontanges answered by putting the governor's letter into his wife's hands. " Ah ! les barbares ! " cried Madame de Fontanges ; " est- il possible ? Pauvre Monsieur Nutong ! On I'amene au cachot." " Au cachot ! " cried all the coloured girls at a breath, and bursting into tears — " Oh ciel ! " M. de Fontanges then explained to Newton the order which he had received. Newton replied that he had had no right to THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 137 expect otherwise on his first landing on the island ; that he had incurred a heavy debt of gratitude to them for having preserved him so long from a prison ; and that the remembrance of their kindness would tend to beguile the tedious hours of captivity (from which it may appear that Newton, in point of expressing himself, was half a Frenchman already). He then kissed the hand of Madame de Fontanges, tried to console the little slave girls, who were all au dcsesp.nr^ patted Cupidon on the head, by way of farewell, and quitted the boudoir, in which he had passed so many happy hours. When he was outside, he again expressed his obligations to M. de Fontanges, who then stated his deter- mination to call upon his brother, the governor, and try to alleviate the hardships of his lot as much as was possible. In less than an hour, Newton, in company with his host, was on the road to Basse Terre, leaving the corporal and his two file of men to walk back as fast as they could; the corporal having sufficient savoir vivre not to refuse the pledge of the governor's brother for the safe delivery of the prisoner. It was not until late in the evening that they arrived at Basse Terre, when they immediately proceeded to the house of the governor, and were admitted to his presence. The governor, who had been much displeased at the circum- stance of Newton having remained so long on the island, was more pacified when M. de Fontanges explained to him the way in which he had been made prisoner, and the hardships which he had previously endured. M. de Fontanges accounted for his long detention at Lieu Desire by stating the real fact, viz., the pertinacity of Madame de Fontanges ; which, although it might have been considered a very poor argument in England, had its due weight in a French colony. The governor entered into conversation with Newton, who detailed to him the horrors of the shipwreck which he had undergone. The narrative appeared to affect him much. He told Newton that under such circumstances he could hardly consider him as a prisoner, and would take the first opportunity of releasing him, and would accept his parole for not quitting the island. Newton returned his thanks for so much courtesy, and withdrew in company with M. de Fontanges. " Monsieur le Marquis has much sympathy for those who have been shipwrecked,'' observed Monsieur de Fontanges, 138 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, after they had quitted the room. " Poor man ! he lost his wife, a beautiful young woman, and his only child, a little girl, about seven years back, when they were proceeding home in a vessel bound to Havre. The vessel has never been heard of since, and he has never recovered the loss/' " In what year was it? " inquired Newton. " In the autumn of the year — " " There were many vessels wrecked on our coast during that dreadful winter," replied Newton: "I myself, when in a coaster, picked up several articles belonging to a French vessel. I have them in my possession now ; — they are of some value." " What did they consist of ?" inquired Monsieur de Fontanges. " A large trunk, containing the wearing apparel of a female and a child : there were also several orders of knighthood, and some jewels ; but I hardly know what they were, as it is some time since I have looked at them." , " How strange that you could find no clue to discover the names of the parties ! " *^ There were French letters," replied Newton, " which I could not read; they were only signed by.initials, which did not correspond with the marks on the linen belonging to the lady, although the surname might have been the same as that of the child." " Do you recollect the initials ? " " Perfectly well : the marks on the lady's apparel were L. C, that on the linen of the infant J. F." " Mon Dieu ! mon Dieu ! " cried Monsieur de Fontanges ; " then it may indeed have been the apparel of the Marquise de Fontanges. The linen must have been some marked with her maiden name, which was Louise de Colmar. The child was christened Julie de Fontanges, after her grandmother. My poor brother had intended to take his passage home in the same vessel, his successor being hourly expected 3 but the frigate in which the new governor had embarked was taken by an English squadron, and my brother was forced to remain here." „ Then the property must undoubtedly belong to the marquis,'' replied Newton: "I only wish I could have been able to assure him that his wife and child were equally safe; but that I am afraid THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 139 is Impossible, as there can be no doubt but that they were all lost. Do you mecin to communicate what I have told you to the marquis ? " " By no means : it will only tear open a wound which has but partially healed. If you will send me all the particulars when you return I shall feel much obliged, not that the effects are of any consequence. The marquise and her child are undoubtedly lost ; and it could be no consolation to my brother to ascertain that a trunk of their effects had been saved." Here the conversation dropped, and was never again renewed. Newton was heartily welcomed again at I.ieu Desire, where he remained three weeks, when a note from the governor in- formed him that a cartel was about to sail. It was with mutual pain that Newton and his kind friends took their farewell of each other. In this instance M. de Fon- tanges did not accompany him to Basse Terre, but bade him adieu at his own door. Newton, soon after he was on the road, perceived that M. de Fontanges had acted from a motive of delicacy, that he might not receive the thanks of Newton for two valises, well furnished, which overtook Newton about a quarter of a mile from the plantation, slung on each side of a horse, under the guidance of a little negro, perched on the middle. Newton made his acknowledgments to the governor for his kind consideration, then embarked on board of the Marie T/ierese schooner, and in three days he once more found himself on shore in an English colony ; with which piece of information I conclude this chapter. CHAPTER XXII. *^ Jlfercy on its 1 a bairn, a very prelty bairn j A boy, a Q pnmencies of noble blood. And yet, deprecating the evils arising from the system of entail, I must acknowledge that there are no other means by which (in a monarchical government) the desirable end of upholding rank is to be obtained. I remember once, when conversing with an American, I inquired after one or two of his countrymen, who, but a few years before, were of great wealth and influence. To one of my remarks he answered, " In our country, all the wealth and power at the time attached , to it does not prevent a name from sinking into insignificance, or from being forgotten soon after its possessor is dead, for we do not entail property. The distribution scatters the amassed heap, by which the world around him has been attracted ; and although the distribution tends to the general fertilization of the country, yet with the disappearance, the influence of the z possessor, and even his name, are soon forgotten." These remarks, as will appear in the sequel, are apposite to THE MERCHANT SERVICE, i6i the parties whom I am about to introduce to the reader. As, however, they are people of some consequence, it may appear to be a want of due respect on my part, it I were to mtroduce them at the fag-end of a chapter. CHAPTER XXVI. ** ' Twas his the vast and trackless deep to rove. Alternate change of climates has he known^ And felt the fierce extremes of either zone. Where polar skies congeal th* eternal snow^ Or equinoctial suns for ever glo7v ; Smote by the freezing or the scorching blasts A ship-boy on the high and giddy mast,** — FALCONER, The father of the present Lord Aveleyn had three sons, and, in conformity with the usages commented upon in the preceding chapter, the two youngest were condemned to the army and navy ; the second, who had priority of choice, being dismissed to gather laurels in a red coat, while the third was recommended to do the same, if he could, in a suit of blue. Fairly embarked in their several professions, a sum of fifty pounds per annum was placed in the hands of their respective agents, and no more was thought about a pair of " detrimentals." Lord Aveleyn's father, who had married late in life, was summoned away when the eldest brother of the present Lord Aveleyn, the heir, was yet a minor, about two years after he had embarked in the ship to which Edward Forster belonged. Now it was the will of Providence that, about six months after the old nobleman's decease, the young lord and his second brother, who had obtained a short furlough, should most unadvisedly embark in a small sailing boat on the lake close to the mansion, and that, owing to some mismanagement of the sail, the boat upset, and they were both drowned. As soon as the melancholy intelligence was made known to the trustees, a letter was despatched to Captain L , who commanded the ship in which youn^ Aveleyn was serving his lime, acquainting him with the catastrophe, and requesting the immediate discharge of the young midshipman. The captain M i62 NEW70N FORSTER; OR, repaired on board ; when he arrived on the quarter-deck, he desired the first-heutenant to send down, for young Aveleyn. . ''He is at the mast-head, sir," replied the £rst-lieutenant, "for neglect of duty." " Really, Mr. W ," replied the captain, who had witnessed the boy's ascent at least a hundred times before with perfect indifference, and had often sent him up himself, " you appear to be very sharp upon that poor lad ; you make no allowance for youth — boys will be boys.'' *' He's the most troublesome young monkey in the ship, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, surprised at this unusual interference. '' He has always appeared to me to be a well-disposed, intelligent lad, Mr. W ; and I wish you to understand that I do not approve of this system of eternal mast-heading. However, he will not trouble you any more, as his discharge is to be immediately made out. He is now," continued the captain, pausing to give more effect to his communication, " Lord Aveleyn." " Whew ! now the murder's out," mentally exclaimed the first-lieutenant. " Call him down immediately, Mr. W , if you please-— and recollect that I disapprove of the system." '' Certainly, sir; but really, Captain L , I don't know w^hat I shall do if you restrict my power of punishing the young gentlemen ; they are so extremely unruly. There's Mr. Malcolm," continued the first-lieutenant, pointing to a youngster who was walking on the other side of the deck, with his hands in his pockets, '' it was but yesterday that he chupped oft' at least four inches from the tail of your dog * Ponto,' at the beef- block, and pretends it was an accident." " What ! my setter's tail ? " " Yes, sir, he did, I can assure you." " Mr. Malcolm," cried the captain, in great wrath, "how came you to cut oft" my dog's tail ? " Before I went to sea I had always considered a London cock-sparrow to be the truest emblem of consummate impu- dence j but I have since discovered that he is quite modest compared to a midshipman. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 163 " Me, sir ? " replied the youngster, demurely, " I didn't cut off his tail, sir; he cut it off hhnselj /" " What, sir ! " roared the captain. " If you please, sir, I was chopping a piece of beef, and the dog, who was standing by, turned short round, and put his tail under the chopper/' " Put his tail under the chopper, you little scamp ! " replied Captain L , in a fury. " Now just put your head above the maintop-gallant cross-trees, and stay there until you are called down. Mr. VV , you'll keep him up till sunset." " Ay, ay, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, with a satisfactory smile at the description of punishment inflicted. When I was a midshipman, it was extremely difficult to avoid the mast-head. ' Out of six years served in that capacity, I once made a calculation that two of them were passed away perched upon the -cross-trees, .looking down, with calm philo- sophy, upon the microcosm below. Yet, although I 7tever deserved it, I derived much future advantage from my repeated punishments. The mast-head, for want of something 7V07'se to do, became my study; and during the time spent there, I in a manner finished my education. Volumes after volumes were perused to while away the tedious hours ; and I conscientiously believe it is to this mode of punishment adopted by my rigid superiors that the world is indebted for all the pretty books which I am writing. I was generally exalted eithQv for t/iMing or not thinking; and as I am not aware of any medium between the active and passive state of our minds (except dreaming, which is still more unpardonable), the reader may suppose that there is no ex- aggeration in my previous calculation of one-third of my midshipman existence having been passed away upon " the high and giddy mast." " Mr. M ," would the first-lieutenant cry out, " why did you stay so long on shore with the jolly-boat? " " I went to the post-office for the officers' letters, sir." " And pray, sir, who ordered you ? " "No one, sir; but I thought " ^^YoM thought, sir! How dare you think f — go up to the mast-head, sir." So much for thinkings i64 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, "Mr. M ," would he say at another time, when I came on board, " did y.)u call at the admiral's office? " " No, sir ; I had no orders. 1 didn't think " " Then why didn't you think, sir? Up to the mast-head, and stay there till I call you down.'' So much for not thi7iking. Like the fable of the wolf and the lamb, it was all the same; bleat as Iplensed, my defence was useless, and I could not avert my barbarous doom. To proceed : Captain L went over the side ; the last pipe had been given, and the boatswain had returned his call into his jacket-pocket, and walked forward, when the first- lieutenant, in pursuance of his orders, looked up aloft, in- tending to have hailed the new lord, and have requested the pleasure of his company on deck ; but the youngster, feeling a slight degree of appetite, after enjoying the fresh air for seven hours without any breakfast, had just ventured down the top- mast rigging, that he might obtain possession of a bottle of tea and some biscuit, which one of his messmates had carried up for him, and stowed away in the bunt of the maintopsail. Young Aveleyn, who thought that the departure of the captain would occupy the attention of the first-lieutenant, had just descended to, and was placing his foot on, the topsail yard, when Mr. W looked up, and witnessed this act of dis- obedience. As this was a fresh offence committed, he thought himself warranted in not complying with the captain's mandate, and the boy was ordered up again, to remain till sunset. " I would hive called him down," muttered Mr. W , whose temper had been soured from long disappointment ; " but since he's a lord, he shall have a good spell of it before he quits the service ; and then we shall not have his recommenda- tion to others in his own rank to come into it, and interfere with our promotion." Now, it happened that Mr. W , who had an eye like a hawk, when he cast his eyes aloft, observed that the bunt of the maintopsail was not exactly so well stowed as it ought to be on board of a man-of-war ; which is not to be wondered at, when it is recollected that the midshipmen had been very busy en- larging it to make a pantry. He therefore turned the hands up, "mend sails,'' and took his station admidship on the booms, to see that this, the most delinquent sail, was properly furled. — THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 165 " Trice up — lay out — All ready forward ? " — " All ready, sir." — "All ready abaft?"— "All ready, sir."— " Let fall."— Down came the sails from the yards, and down also came the botde of tea and biscuit upon the face of the first-lieuteiinnt, who was looking up; the former knocking out three of his front teeth, besides splitting open both his Lps andchm. Young Aveleyn, who witnessed the catastrophe, was de- lighted ; the other midshipmen on deck crowded round their superior, to offer their condolements, winking and making faces at each other in by-play, until the first-lieutenant descended to his cabin, when they no longer restrained their mirth. About an hour afterwards, Mr. W reappeared, with his face bound up, and summoned all the young gentlemen on deck, insisting upon being informed who it was who had stowed away the bottle in the bunt of the sail ; but midshipmen have most treacherous memories, and not one of them knew anything about it. As a la^t resource, young Aveleyn was called down from the mast-head. "Now, sir," said Mr. W , " either inform me directly who it was who stowed away the bottle aloft, or I pledge you my word you shall be discharged from his Majesty's service to- morrow morning. Don't pretend to say that you don't know — for you must." "I do know," replied the youngster, boldly; "but I never will tell." "Then either you or I shall leave the service. Man the first cutter ; " and when the boat was manned, the first-lieu- tenant sent some papers on shore, which he had been desired to do by the captain. When the boat returned, the clerk was sent for, and desired by Mr. W to make out Mr. Aveleyn's discharge, as the officers and midshipmen thought (for Mr. W had kept his secret), for his disobedient conduct. The poor boy, who thought all his prospects blighted, was sent on shore, the tears running down his cheeks, as much from the applause and kind farewells of his shipmates, as from the idea of the degradation which he underwent. Now, the real culprit was young Malcolm, who, to oblige the captain, had taken his station at the foretop-gallant mast-head, because the dog " Ponto " thought proper to cut off his own tail. The first-lieutenant, I66 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, in his own woe, forgot that of others ; and it was not until nine o'clock at night, that Malcolm, who thought that he had stayed up quite long enough, ventured below, when he was informed of what had taken place. The youngster immediately penned a letter to the captain, acknowledging that he was the offender, and requesting that Mr. Aveleyn might not be discharged from the service ; he also ventured to add a postscript, begging that the same lenity might be extended towards himself; which letter was sent on shore by the captain's gig, when it left the ship the next morn- ing, and was received by Captain L at the very same time that young Aveleyn, who had .not been sent on shore till late in the evening, called upon the captain to request a reprieve from his hard sentence. The boy sent up his name and was immediately ad- mitted. " I presume you know why you are discharged from the ser- vice?'' said Captain L , smiling benignantly. '* Yes, sir," replied the boy, holdmg his head down submis- sively, "because of that accident — I'm very sorry, sir." " Of course you must, and ought to be. Such heavy blows are not common, and hard to bear. I presume you go im- mediately to Buckhurst ? " "I suppose I must, sir; but I hope. Captain L , that you'll look over it." " I shall have very great pleasure in so doing," replied Cap- tain L ; "■ I hear that it is " "Thanky, sir, thanky," replied the youngster, interrupting the captain. " Then I may go on board again and tell the first-lieutenant ? " "Tell the first-lieutenant what?" cried Captain L , perceiving some mistake. " Why, has not Mr. W told you?" "Yes, sir, he told me it was your orders that I should be dismissed his Majesty's service." " Discharged — not dismissed. And I presume he told you why: because your two elder brothers are dead, and you are now Lord Aveleyn." ** No, sir ! " cried the youngster with astonishment ; " because his ihree front teetii are knocked out with a bottle oi scaldchops^ THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 167 and I would not peach who stowed it away in the bunt of the sail/' "This is excessively strange !'' replied Captain L . "Do me the favour to sit down, my lord ; the letters from the ship will probably explain the atfair." There was, however, no explanation, except from young Malcolm. The captain read his Ittter, and put it into the hands of Lord Aveleyn, who entered into a detail of the whole. Captain L produced the letter from the trustees, and, desiring his lordship to command him as to any funds he might require, requested the pleasure of his comi.^any to dinner. The boy, whose head wheeled with the sudden change in his prospects, was glad to retire, having first obtained permission to return on board with young Malcolm's pardon, which had been most graciously acceded to. To the astonishment of everybody on board, young Aveleyn came alongside in the captain's own gig, when the scene in the midshipmen's berth and the discomfiture of the first-lieutenant may be imagined. "You don't belong to the service, Frank," said the old master's mate ; " and, as peer of the realm, coming on board to visit the ship, you are entitled to a salute. Send up and say you expect one, and then W must have the guard up, and pay you proper respect. Ill be hanged if I don't take the message, if you consent to it." But Lord Aveleyn had come on board to pay a debt of gratitude, not to inflict mortification. He soon quitted the ship, promising never to forget Malcolm ; and, unlike the promises of most great men, it was fulfilled, and Malcolm rose to be a captain from his own merit, backed by the exertions of his youthful patron. For the next week the three mast-heads were so loaded with midshipmen, that the boatswain proposed a preventer backstay, that the top-masts might not go over the side; but shortly after, Captain L , who was not pleased at the falsehood which Mr. W had circulated, and who had many other reasons for parting with him, succeeded in having him appointed to another ship ; after which the midshipmen walked up and down the quarter-deck with their hands in their pockets, as before. 168 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER XXVII. ** But Adeline determined Juan^s wedding In her oum inlnd^ and t/iat^s enough for woman ; But then with whom ? There tuas the sage Miss Redding^ Miss Raw, Miss Flaw, Miss Sho'vman and Miss Knowman, And the two fair co- heiresses Giltbedding, She deem\l his merits so?nething more than common. All these were unobjectionable matches. And might go on, if well tvound up, like watches.'*'' — Byron. The young Lord Aveleyn returned to the hall of his ancestors, exchanging the gloomy cockpit for the gay saloon, the ship's allowance for sumptuous fare, the tyranny of his messmates and the harshness of his superiors for adulation and respect. Was he happier? No. In this world, whether in boyhood or riper years, the happiest state of existence is when under control. Although conirary to received opinion, this is a fact ; but I cannot now stop to demonstrate the truth of the assertion. Life maybe compared to a gamut of music : there are seven notes from our birth to our marriage ; and thus may we run up the first octave — milk, sugar-plums, apples, cricket, cravat, gun, horse ; then comes the wife, a da capo to a new existence, which is to continue until the whole diapason is gone through. Lord Aveleyn ran up his scale like others before him. " Why do you not marry, my dear Frank ? " said the dowager Lady Aveleyn, one day, when a thick fog debarred her son of his usual pastime. " Why, mother, I have no objection to marry ; and I suppose I must, one of these days, as a matter of duty : but I really am very difficult to please ; and if I were to make a bad choice, you know a wife is not like this gun, which will go off when I please." "But still, my dear Frank, there are many very eligible matches to be made just now." " I do not doubt it, madam ; but pray who are they ? " " Why, Miss Riddlesworth " " A very pretty girl, and I am told a large fortune. But let me hear the others first." " Clara Beaucliamp, well connected, and a very sweet girl/' THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 169 " Granted also, for anything I know to the contrary. Have you more on your list?'* " Certainly. Emily Riddlesdale ; not much fortune, but very highly connected indeed. Her brother, Lord Riddlesdale, is a man of great influence." " Her want of money is no object, my dear mother, and the influence of her brother no inducement ; I covet neither. I grant you that she is a very nice girl. Proceed." " Why, Frank, one would think that you were a sultan with his handkerchief There is Lady Selina Armstrong." " Well, she is a very fine girl, and talks well." ** There is Harriet Butler, who has just come out." " I saw her at the last ball we were at — a very pretty creature." " Lady Jemima Calthorpe." " Not very good-looking, but clever and agreeable." ** There is Louisa Manners, who is very much admired." " I admire her very much myself" " Well, Frank,' you have exhausted my catalogue. There is not one I have mentioned who is not unexceptionable, and whom I would gladly embrace as a daughter-in-law. You are now turned of forty, my dear son, and must make up your mind to have heirs to the title and estates. I am, however, afraid that your admiration is so general, that you will be puzzled in your choice." " I will confess to you, my dearest mother, that I have man v years thought of the necessity of taking to myself a wife, but have never yet had courage to decide. I admit that if all the young women you have mentioned were what they appear to be, a man need not long hesitate in his choice ; but the great difficulty is, that their real tempers and dispositions are not to be ascertained till it is too late. Allow that I should attempt to discover the peculiar disposition of every one of them, what would be the consequence? — that my attentions would be perceived. I do not exactly mean to accuse them of deceit; but a woman is naturally flattered by perceiving herself an object of attraction ; and when flattered, is pleased. It is not likely, therefore, that the infirmities of her temper (if she have any) should be discovered by a man whose presence is a source of gratification. If artful, she will conceal her i^ro NEWTON FORSIER; OR, faults ; if not so, there will be no occasion to bring them to light. And even if, after a long courtship, something wrong should be discovered, either you have proceeded too far in honour to retract, or are so blinded by your own feelings as to extenuate it. N ow, it is only the parents and near relations cf a young woman who can be witnesses to her real character, unless it be, indeed, her own maid, whom one could not con- descend to interrogate." "' That is all very true,- Frank ; but recollect the same ob- servations apply to your sex as well as ours. Lovers and husbands are very different beings. It is quite a lottery on both sides." ^'I agree with you, my dear mother; and, as marry I must, so shall It be a lottery with me — I will leave it to chance, and not to myself: then, if I am unfortunate, I will blame my stars, and not have to accuse myself of a want of proper dis- crimmation." Lord Aveleyn took up a sheet of paper, and, dividing it into small shps, wrote upon them the names of the different young ladies proposed by his mother. Folding them up, he threw them on the table before her, and requested that she would select any one of the papers. The dowager took up one. " I thank you, madam," said Lord Aveleyn, taking the paper from her hand, and opening it — " ' Louisa Manners.' Well, then, Louisa Manners it shall be ; always provided that she does not refuse me. I will make my first advances this very afternoon — that is, if it does not clear up, and I can take out the pointers." "You surely are joking, Frank? " " Never was more serious. I have my mother's recom- mendation, backed by fate. Marry I must, but choose I will not. I feel myself desperately in love with the fair Louisa already. I will report my progress to you, my dear madam, in less than a fortnight." Lord Aveleyn adhered to his singular resolution, courted, and was accepted. He never had reason to repent his choice ; who proved to be as amiable as her countenance would have indicated. The fruits of his marriage was one son, who v/as watched over with mingled pride and anxiety, and who had now arrived at the age of fifteen years. THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 171 Such was the history of Lord Aveleyn, who continued to extend his friendship to Edward Forster, and, if he had re- quired it, would gladly have proffered his assistance, in return for the kindness which Forster had shoAvn towards him when he was a midshipman. The circumstances connected with the history of the little Amber were known to Lord Aveleyn and his- lady; and the wish of Forster, that his Httle charge should derive the advantage of mixing in good female society, was gladly acceded to, both on his account and on her own. Amber would often remain for days at the mansion, and was a general favourite, as well as an object of sympathy. But the growth of their son, too rapid for his years, and Vvhich brought with it symptoms of pulmonary disease, alarmed Lord and Lady Aveleyn ; and, by the advice of the physicians, they broke up their establishment, and hastened with him to Madeira, to re-establish his health. Their departure was deeply felt both by Forster and his charge ; and before they could recover from the loss, another severe trial awaited them in the death of Mrs. Beazely, who, full of years and rheumatism, was gathered to her fathers. Forster, habituated as he was to the old lady, felt her loss severely: he was now with Amber quite alone ; and it so happened that in the following winter his wound broke out, and confined him to his bed until the spring. As he lay in a precarious state, the thought naturally occurred to him, *' What will become of this poor child if 1 am called away? There is not the slightest provision for her: she has no friends, and I have not even made it known to any of my own that there is such a person in existence." Edward Forster thought of his brother, the lawyer, whom he knew still to be flourishing, although he had never corrt-sponded with him ; and resolved that, as soon as he was able to undertake the journey, he would go to town, and secure his interest for the little Amber, in case of any accident happening to himself. The spring and summer passed away before he found him- self strong enough to undertake the journey. It was late in the autumn that Edward Forster and Amber took their places in a heavy coach for the metropolis, and arrived without accident on the day or two subsequent to that on which Nicholas and Nevvion had entered it on foot. 172 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, CHAPTER XXVIII, ** Through coaches ^ draysy choked turnpikes, and a whirl Of wheels, and roar of voices, atid confusion, Here taverns zvooing to a pint of ^ purl,* There 7iiails fast flying ojf, like a delusion. ** Through this, and much and more, is the approach Of travellers to mighty Babylon; Whether they come by horse, or chair, or coach, I With slight exceptions, all the ways seem one.** — Byron. ; When Newton Forster and his father arrived at London, thej^ put up at an obscure inn in the .Borough. The next day, Newton set off to discover the residence of his uncle. The people of the inn had recommended him to apply to some stationer or bookseller, who would allow him to look over a red-book ; and, in compliance with these instructions, Newton stopped at a shop in Fleet-street, on the doors of which Avas written in large gilt letters — " Law Bookseller." The young men in the shop were very civil and obliging, and, without re- ferring to the " Guide," immediately told him the residence of a man so well known as his uncle, and Newton hastened in the direction pointed out. It was one of those melancholy days in which London wears the appearance of a huge scavenger's cart. A lurid fog and mizzling rain, which had been incessant for the previous twenty-four hours ; sloppy pavements, and kennels down which the muddy torrents hastened to precipitate themselves into the sewers below; armies of umbrellas, as far as the eye could reach, now rising, now lowering, to avoid collision ; hackney- coaches in active sloth, their miserable cattle plodding along with their backs arched and heads and tails drooping like barn- door fowls crouching under the cataract of a gutter ; clacking of pattens and pestering of sweepers; not a smile upon the countenance of one individual of the multitude which passed him ; — all appeared anxiety, bustle, and selfishness. Newton was not sorry when he turned down the narrow court which had been indicated to him, and, disengaged from the throng of men, commenced a more rapid course. In two minutes he was at the door of his uncle's chambers ; which, notwithstand- ing the inclemency oi the weather, stood wide open, as if there THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 1 73 should be no obstacle in a man's way, or a single moment fcr reflection allowed him, if he wished to entangle himself in the expenses and difficulties of the law. Newton furled his weep- ing umbrella ; and, first looking with astonishment at the mud which had accumulated above the calves of his legs, raised his eyes to the jambs on each side, where in large letters he read at the head of a long list of occupants, " Mr. Forster, Ground Floor." A door with Mr. Forster s name on it, within a few feet of him, next caught his eye. He knocked, and was ad- mitted by the clerk, who stated that his master was at a con- sultation, but was expected back in half-an-hour, if he could wait so long. Newton assented, and was ushered into the parlour, where the clerk presented the newspaper of the day to amuse him until the arrival of his uncle. As soon as the door was closed, Newton's curiosity as to the character of his uncle induced him to scrutinise the apartment and its contents. In the centre of the room, which might have been about fourteen feet square, stood a table, with a shadow lamp placed before the only part of it which was left vacant for the use of the pen. The remainder of the space was loaded with parchment upon parchment, deed upon deed, paper upon paper. Some, especially those underneath, had become dark and discoloured by time \ the ink had changed to a dull red, and the imprint of many a thumb inferred how many years they had been in existence, and how long they had lain as sad mementoes of the law's delay. Others were fresh and clean, the japanned ink in strong contrast with the glossy parchment, — new cases of litigation, fresh as the hopes of those who had been persuaded by flattering assurances to enter into a labyrinth of vexation, from which, perhaps, not to be extri- cated until these documents should assume the hue of the others, which silently indicated the blighted hopes of pro- tracted litigation. Two rhassive iron chests occupied the walls on each side of the fireplace ; and roimd the whole area of the room were piled one upon another large tin boxes, on which, in legible Roman characters, were written the names of the parties whose property was thus immured. There they stood like so many sepulchres of happiness, mausoleums raised over departed competence ; while the names of the parties inscribed appeared as so many registers of the folly and contention of man. 174 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, But from all this Newton could draw no other conclusion than that his uncle had plenty of business. The fire in the grate was on so small a scale, that, although he shivered with wet and cold, Newton was afraid to stir it, lest it should go out altogether. From this circumstance he drew a hasty and un- satisfactory conclusion that his uncle was not very partial to spending his money. But he hardly had time to draw these inferences, and then take up the newspaper, when the door opened, and another party was ushered into the room by the clerk, who informed him, as he handed a chair, that Mr. Forster would return in a few minutes. The personage thus introduced was a short young man, with a round face, bushy eyebrows, and dogged countenance, imply- ing wilfulness without ill-nature. As soon as he entered, he proceeded to divest his throat of a large shawl, which he hung over the back of a chair ; then doffing his great coat, which was placed in a similar position, he rubbed his hands, and walked up to the fire, into which he insinuated the poker, and immediately destroyed the small symptoms of combustion which remained, reducing the whole to one chaos of smoke. " Better have left it alone, I believe," observed he, reinsert- ing the poker, and again stirring up the black mass, for the fire was now virtually defunct. "You're not cold, I hope, sir?'' said the party, turning to Newton. " No, sir, not very," replied Newton, good humouredly. " I thought so ; dients never are : nothing like law for keeping you warm, sir. Always bring on your cause in the winter months. I do, if I can ; for it's positive suftbcation in the dog-days ! " " I really never was at la%v,'' replied Newton, laughing ; " but if ever I have the misfortune, I shall recollect your advice." " Never was at law ! I was going to say, what the devil brings you here ? but that would have been an impertinent question. Well, sir, do you know, there was a time at which I never knew what law was," continued the young man, seating himself in a chair opposite to Newton. "It was many years ago, when I was a younger brother, and had no property : no one took the trouble to go to law with me ; for if they gained their cause, THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 175 there were no effects. Within the last six years I have inherited considerable property, and am always in hot vvater. I heard that the lawyers say, * causes produce effects.' I am sure I can say that 'effects have produced causes ! '" " I am sorry that your good fortune should be coupled with such a drawback." " Oh, it's nothing ! It's just to a man what a clog is to a horse in a field — you know pretty well where to find him. I'm so used to it — indeed so much so, that I should feel rather un- comfortable if I had nothing on my hands : just keeps me from being idle. I've been into every court in the metropolis, and have no fault to find with one of them, except the Court of R ts." "And pray, sir, what is that courts and the objection you have to it?" "Why, as to the court, it's the most confounded ras ; but I must be careful how I speak before strangers : you'll ex- cuse me, sir ; not that I suspect you, but I know what may be considered as a libel. I shall, therefore, just state that it is a court at which no gentleman can appear ; and if he docs, it's of no use, for he'll never get a verdict in his favour." " What, then it is not a court of justice?" " Court of justice ! no, it's a court for the recovery of small debts; but I'll just tell you, sir, exactly what took place with me in that court, and then you will be able to judge for yourself. I had a dog, sir; it was just after I came into my property ; his name was Caesar, and a very good dog he was. Well, sir, riding out one day about four miles from to^vn, a rabbit put his nose out of a cellar, where they retailed potatoes. Csesar pounced upon him, and the rabbit was dead in a moment. The man who owned the rabbit and the potatoes, came up to me and asked my name, which I told him ; at the same time I expressed my sorrow at the accident, and advised him in future to keep his rabbits in hutches. He said he would, and demanded three shillings and sixpence for the one which the dog had killed. Now, although he was welcome to advice, money was quite another thing; so he went one way muttering something about law, and I another, with Caesar at my heels, taking no notice of his threat. Well, sir, in a few days my servant came up to say that somebody wished 176 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, to see me yy^on particular business, and I ordered him to be shown up. It was a blackguard-looking fellow, who put a piece of dirty paper in my hand ; summoned me to appear at some dog-hole or another, I forget where. Not understanding the business, I enclosed it to a legal friend, who returned an answer, that it was a summons to the Court of R ts ; that no gentleman could go there ; and that I had better let the thing take its course. I had forgotten all about it, when, in a few days, a piece of paper was brought to me, by which I found that the court adjudged me to pay ;£"! 2S. 6d., for damages and costs. I asked who brought it, and was told it was the son of the potato-merchant, accompanied by a tipstaff. I requested the pleasure of their company, and asked the legal gentleman what it was for. " * Eighteen shillings for ten rabbits destroyed by your dog, and 4S. 6d. for costs of court.' '"Ten rabbits !* exclaimed I; 'why, he only killed one.' "*Yes, sir,' squeaked out the young potato-merchant; 'but it was a doe rabbit in the family way ; we counted nine young ones, all killed too ! ' '"Shameful !' replied I. 'Pray, sir, did your father tell the court that the rabbits were not born ? ' " ' No, sir ; father only said there was one doe rabbit and nine little ones killed. He asked 4s. 6d. for the old one, but only IS. 6d. a-piece for the young ones.' " * You should have been there yourself, sir,* observed the tipstaff. " ' I wish Caesar had left the rabbit alone. So it appears,' replied I, ' he only asked 3s. 6d. at first ; but by this Ccesareaji operation^ I am nineteen shillings out of pocket.* — Now, sir, what do you think of that?" " I think that you should exclaim against the dishonesty of the potato-merchant, rather than the judgment of the court. Had you defended your own cause, you mi^ht have had justice." '* I don't know that. A man makes a claim against another, and takes his oath to it; you must then either disprove i% or pay the sum ; your own oath is of no avail against his. I called upon my legal friend, and told him how I had been treated, and he then narrated the following circumstance, which will ex- plain what I mean :— THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 177 *' He told me that he never knew of but one instance in which a respectable person had gained his cause, and in which, he was ashamed to say, that he was a party implicated. The means resorted to were as follows : — A Jew upholsterer sent in a bill to a relation of his for a chest of drawers, which had never been purchased or received. Refusing to pay, he was sum- moned to the Court of R ts. Not knowing how to act, he applied to my informant, who, being under some obligations to his relative, did not like to refuse. " * I am afraid that you will have to pay,' said the attorney to his relation, when he heard the story. "' But I never had them, I can swear to it.* " * That's of no consequence ; he will bring men to swear to the delivery. There are hundreds who are about the court who are ready to take any oath, at half a crown ahead ; and that will be sufficient. But, to oblige you, I will see what I can do.' " They parted, anposal of his d mghters as he was pleased with the idea of annoymg his uncle, from whom he, at one time, had great expectations ; but, as it was necessary to be circumspect, especially with Isabel, Mr. Revel took the opportunity of a subsequent visit to state that he had received a letter from his uncle in India, wishing one of his daughters to go out and live with him. In a few months he read another letter (composed by himself, and copied in another hand), earnestly desiring that they might all come out to him, as it would be much to iheir advantage. The reluctance of the two eldest was removed by pointing out the magnificent establishments they might secure: I9S NEWTON FORSTER; OR, the consent of Isabel by a statement of difficulty and debt on the part of her parents, which would end in beggary if not re lieved from the burden of their support. By insuring her Hfe, a sum of money sufficient for their outfit and passage was raised on Mrs. Revel's marriage stiitlement ; and the three Miss Revels wxre thus shipped ulf by their affectionate parents, as a "venture," mi}^^ Bombay Castle, CHAPTER XXXII. ** That the rich vessel moves in trii7i atTay, Like some fair virgin on her bridal day : Thus like a swan, she cleaves the luatery plain. The pride and wonder of the JEgean inaijt, ** The natives y while the ship departs the land. Ashore^ with admiration gazing stand ; Majestically slo^u before the breeze^ In silent pomp ^ she marches on the seas."*"* — FALCONER. Much to the satisfaction of Captain Drawlock, the chrono- meters and the ladies were safe on board, and the Bombay C<:zj'// " The fresh air will soon revive you, ma'am ; you'll be much better directly," observed the attentive captain. " I beg your pardon one moment, but there is another lady coming out of the cuddy." The cabins abaft the cuddy, or dining-room, were generally occupied by the more distinguished and wealthy passengers (a^ proportionate sum being charged extra for then)). The good people of Glasgow, with a due regard to economy, had not run themselves into such unnecessary expenses for the passage of Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson. Mr. Revel, aware of the effect pro,- duced by an appearance of wealth, had taken one of them for his daughters. The other had been secured by Miss Tavistock, much to the gratification of the captain, who thus had his un- married ladies and his chronometers both immediately under his own eye. The personage who had thus called the attention of the captain was Isabel Revel, whom, although she has already been mentioned, it will be necessary to describe more particu- larly to the reader. Isabel Revel was now eighteen years old, endowed with ^ mind so superior, that had not her talents been checked by a natural reserve, she might have stepped from the crowd, and have been hailed as a genius. She had been brought up by a foolish mother, and had in her earlier years been checked by THE MERCHANT SERVICE. jjof her two in5ipid sisters, who assumed over her an authority which their age alone could warrant. Seldom, if ever, per- mitted to appear when there was company, that she might not "spoil the market" of the eldest, she had in her solitude applied much to reading, and thus had her mind been highly cultivated. The conduct of her father entitled him to no respect ; the heartlessness of her modier to no esteem ; the tynmny of her sisters to no affection ; yet did she strive to render all. Until the age of sixteen she had been the Cinderella of the family, during which period of seclusion she had learned to think and to act for herself. Her figure was a little above the middle size, li^ht and ele- gant ; her features beautiful, with an expression of seriousness, arising probably from speaking little and reflecting much. Yet she possessed a mind ardent and enthusiastic, which often bore her away in animated discourse, until the eye of admiration fixed upon her, would suddenly close her lips, for her modesty and her genius were at perpetual variance. It is well known to most of my readers that woman is a problem ; but it may not be as well known that nowadays she is a mathematical problem. Yet so it is. As in the latter you have certain known quantities given by which you are to find a quantity unknown, so in a lady you have the hand, the foot, the mouth, &c., apparent ; and 'tis only by calculation, now that modern dresses are made so full, that you can arrive at a just estimate of her approach to total perfection. All good arithmeticians, as they scrutinised the outward and the visible of Isabel Revel, were perfectly assured as to her quo- tient. But if I talked for hours, I could say no more than that she was one of those ideal images created in the dream of youth and poetry, fairly embodied in flesh and blood. As her father had justly surmised, could she have been persuaded to have tried her fortune on the stage, she had personal attractions, depth of feeling, and vivacity of mind to have rendered her one of the very first of the profession, to excel in which, per- haps, there is more correct judgment and versatility of talent required than any other, and would have a fair prospect of obtaining that coronet which has occasionally been the reward of those fair dames who " stoop to conquer." 202 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, Mr. Revel, v/no had been made acquainted with the customs on board of East India ships, had been introduced to Mrs. Ferguson, and had requested her to take upon herself th^ office of chaperoji to his daughters, during the passage : a nominal charge indeed yet considered to be etiquette. Mrs. • Ferguson, pleased with the gentlemanlike demeanour and personal appearance of Mr. Revel, and perhaps at the same time not sorry to have an authority to find fault, had most graciously acquiesced ; and the three Miss Revels were con- sidered to be under her protection. As I said before, Miss Isabel Revel made her appearance not unattended, for she was escorted by Doctor Plausible, the surgeon of the ship. And now I must again digress while I introduce that gentleman. I never shall get that poor girl from the cuddy-door. Doctor Plausible had been summoned to prescribe for Miss Laura Revel, who suffered extremely from the motion of the vessel, and the remedies which she had applied to relieve her uneasiness. Miss Laura Revel had been told by somebody, previous to her embarkation, that the most effectual remedy for sea-sickness was gingerbread. In pursuance of the advice received, she had provided herself with ten or twelve squares of this commodity, about one foot by eighteen inches, \vhich squares she had commenced upon as soon as she came on board, and had never ceased to swallow, notwithstanding various interruptions. The more did her stomach reject it, the more did she force it down, until, what with deglutition, d vice versa, she had been reduced to a state of extreme weak- ness, attended with fever. How many panaceas have been offered without success for two evils — sea-sickness and hydrophobia ! and between these two there appears to be a link, for sea-sickness as surely ends in hydrophobia, as hydrophobia does in death. The sovereign remedy prescribed, when I first went to sea, was a piece of fat pork, tied to a string, to be swallowed, and then pulled up again ; the dose to be repeated until effective. I should not have mentioned this well-known remedy, as it has long been superseded by other nostrums, were it not that this maritime prescription has been the origin of two modern improvements in the medical catalogue— one is the stomach-pump, evidently THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 203 borrowed from this simple engine ; the other is the very successful prescription now in vogue, to those who are weak in the digestive organs, to eat fat bacon for breakfast, which I have no doubt was suggested to Doctor Vance, from what he had been eye-witness to on board of a man of war. But here I am digressing again from Doctor Plausible to Dr. Vance. Reader, I never lose the opportunity of drawing a moral ; and what an important one is here ! Observe how difficult it is to regain the right path when once you have quitted it. Let my error be a warning to you in your journey through life, and my digressions preserve you from diverging from the beaten track, which, as the Americans would say, leads clean slick on to happiness and peace. Doctor Plausible was a personable man, apparently about five-and-thiriy years old ; he wore a little powder in his hair, black silk stockings, and knee-breeches. In this I consider Doctor Plausible was right ; the above look much more scien- tific than Wellington trousers ; and much depends upon the exterior. He was quite a ladies' man ; talked to them about their extreme sensibiHty, their peculiar fineness of organic structure, their delicacy of nerves ; and soothed his patients more by flattery than by physic. Having discovered that Miss Laura was not inclined to give up her gingerbread, he imme- diately acknowledged its virtues, but recommended that it should be cut into extremely small dice, and allowed, as it were, to melt away upon the tongue ; stating, that her digestive organs were so refined and delicate, that they would not per- mit themselves to be loaded with any large particles, even of farinaceous compound. Isabel Revel, who had been informed that Mrs. Ferguson was on deck, expressed a wish to escape from the confined atmosphere of the cabin ; and Doctor Plau- sible, as soon as he had prescribed for Miss Laura, offered Miss Isabel his services ; which, for want of a better, perhaps, were accepted. The ship at this time had a great deal of motion. The gale w^as spent; but the sea created by the violence of the wind had not yet subsided, and the waves continued still to rise and fall again, like the panting breasts of men who have just desisted from fierce contention. Captain Drawlock hastened over to receive his charge from the hands of the medical attendant ; 204 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, and paying Isabel some compliments on her appearance, was, handing her over to the weather-side, where Mrs. Ferguson was seated, when a sea of larger dimensions than usual careened the ship to what the sailors term a " heavy lurch." The decks were wet and slippery. Captain Drawlock lost his footing, and was thrown to leeward. Isabel would most certainly have kept him company ; and indeed wns already under weigh for the lee- scuppers, had not it been that Newton Forster, who stood near, caught her round the waist, and prevented her from falling. It certainly was a great presumption to take a young lady round the waist previous to any introduction ; but, at sea, we are not very particular ; and if we do perceive that a lady is in danger of a severe fall, we do not stand upon etiquette. What is more remarkable, we generally find that the ladies excuse our unpolished manners, either upon the score of our good inten- tions, or because there is nothing so very impertinent in them, after all. Certain it is, that Isabel, as soon as she had recovered from her alarm, thanked Newton Forster, with a sweet smile, for his timely aid, as she again took the arm of Captain Draw- lock, who escorted her to the weather-side of the quarter-deck. " I have brought you one of yowv protegees, Mrs. Ferguson,^'^ said Captain Drawlock. " How do you feel. Miss Revel ? " - " Like most young ladies, sir, a little giddy," replied Isabel.; ** I hope you were not hurt. Captain Drawlock; I'm afraid that you fell by paying more attention to me than to yourself.'' " My duty. Miss Revel. Allow me to add, my pleasure,'' replied the captain, bowing. " That's very politely said, Captain Drawlock," replied Isabel. " Almost too polite, I think," observed Mrs. Ferguson (who was out of humour at not being the first object of attention), ^' considering that Captain Drawlock is a married man, with seven children." The captain looked glum, and Miss Revel observing it, turned the conversation by inquiring — " Who was that gentleman who saved me from falling ? " " Mr. Newton Forster, one of the mates of the vessel. Would you like to walk. Miss Revel, or remain where you are ? " "Thank you, I v/ill stay with Mrs. Ferguson." The gentlemen passengers had as yet but occasionally ap-- peared on deck. Men generally suffer more from the distressing sickness than women. As soon, however, as the news had been THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 205 i slander ?'' "-'^ ** The author, madam ! look at me — to your confusion look -^ at me ! '' "Well, I'm looking." " 'Twas, madam — the colonel himself " The colonel himself ! " ** Yes, madam, the colonel himself, who called this morning to see you and renew the intimacy, I presume ; but by mis- take was shown up to me, and then made an apology for his conduct." " It's excessively strange ! first the colonel is rude, without my knowledge, and then apologises to you ! Mr. Sullivan, I'm afraid that your head is not right this morning.'' " Indeed, madam, I only wish that your heart was as sound," -^ replied the husband, with a sneer; "but, madam, I am not-^ quite blind. An honest woman — a virtuous woman, Mrs. Sullivan, would have immediately acquainted her husband with what had passed — not have concealed it ; still less have had the effrontery to deny it, when acknowledged by her para- '' Faramoiir r^ cried the lady, with an hysterical laugh |^^ " Mr. Sullivan, when I select a paranioicr^ it shall be a hand-^ some young man — not an old, yellow-faced " -^ "Pshaw, madam! there's no accounting for taste; when^f^ a woman deviates from the right path '' '^ " Right path ! if ever I deviated from the right path, as you ^^ call it, it was when I married such a wretch as you ! Yes, sir,"f^^ continued the lady, bursting into tears, " I tell you now — my^ ** life has been a torment to me ever since I married (sobbing) — • ^^ always suspected for nothing (sob, sob)— jealous, detestable ^ THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 225 temper (sob)— go to my friends (sob) — hereafter may repent (bob) — then know what you've lost '' (sob, sob, sob). "And, m;idam,'' rephtd Mr. Sulhvan, "so may you also know what } ou have lost, before a few hours have passed av\ay ; then, madam, the time may come when the veil of folly may be rent from your eyes, and your conduct appear in all its defor- mity. Farewell, madam — perhaps for ever ! " The lady made no reply; Mr. Sullivan quitted the room, and, repairing to his counting-house, wrote a challenge to the colonel and confided the delivery of it to one of his Iriends, who un willingly accepted the office of second. CHAPTER XXXV. ** He's tnily valiant^ that can imely suffer The worst that man can breathe^ and make his wrongs His outsides ; to zvear them, like his raiment^ carelessly ^ And ne^er prefer his injuries to his hearty To bring it into danger. ^^ — Shakspeare. The colonel, in the meantime, had returned to the house where he was residing, when he was immediately accosted by Captain Carrington and the other gentlemen who had been let into the secret of the plot. During his walk home the colonel had been ruminating on his dismissal, and had not quite made up his mind whether he ought or ought not to resent the conduct of Mr. Sullivan. Naturally more inclined for peace than war, by the time that he had arrived home he had resolved to pocket the affront, when Captain Carrington called him on one side, and obtained from him a recapitula- tion of what had passed ; which probably never would have been given if the colonel had not considered the communica- tion as confidential. This, however, did not suit the intentions of Captain Carrington, who felt inclined for more mischief; and, when the colonel had concluded his narrative, he replied, " Upon my word, colonel, as you observe, this conduct on the part of Mr. Sullivan is not exactly what can be permitted by us military men. I hardly know how to advise; indeed, I would not take the responsibility; however, I will consult with Q 226 NEWTON FORSTlLR; OR, Mr. S and Mr. G , and if you will leave your hono in our hands, depend upon it we will do you strict justice : " ai Captain Carrington quitted the colonel, who would have expc tulated, and, walking up to the other gentlemen, entered in a recapitulation of the circumstances. A wink of his eye, his back was turned to the colonel, fully expressed to the othe the tenor of the advice which they were to oifer. "Well, gentlemen, what is your opinion?'' said the captai as he concluded his narrative. "I think," replied Mr. S , with a serious face, "there c; be but one— our gallant friend has been most grossly insulte I think," continued he, addressing the colonel, who h; quitted the sofa, in his anxiety to know the issue of th( debate, "that I should most decidedly ask him what '. meant." " Or rather demand an apology," observed Mr. G . " Which Mr. Sullivan, as a man of honour, is bound to off( and the .colonel, as a gentleman and an officer, has a right insist upon. Do you not think so, Captain Carrington ? " sa Mr. S . "Why, I have always been more inclined to be a peac maker than otherwise, if I can," replied Captain Carringtc " If our gallant friend, the colonel, is not sure that Mr. Sulliv did use the words, * I won't trouble you to call again,' — are y positive as to the exact words, colonel ? " " Why, to the best of my recollection," replied the colon *^ I rather think those were the words. I may be mistaken: it was certainly — most certainly, something to that effect." " Were they ' requesting you to call again ? ' " said Capt^ Carrington. " No, no, that they were certainly not." " Well, they could be but one or the other. Then, gent men, the case is clear the words were uttered," said Mr. S— "Now, Captain Carrington, what would you advise?" " I really am vexed to say, that I do not see how our frier Colonel Ellice, can do otherwise than demand an apology, a meeting." " Could not I treat him with contempt, Captain Carrington demanded the colonel. " Why, not exactly," replied Mr. S . " Sullivan is THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 227 good family — the Sullivans of Bally cum Poop. He was some time in the 48th Regiment, and was obliged to retire from it for challenging his colonel/' " Well, gentlemen/' replied the colonel, " I suppose I must leave my honour in your hands, although it does appear to me that our time is very short for such arrangements. We sail early to-morrow morning, Captain Carrington; at daylight I think you said, and it will be too late to-night." " My dear colonel, I will risk a rebuke from the Admiralty," replied the captain, " rather than not allow you to heal your wounded honour. I will stay till the day after to-morrow, should it be requsite for the arrangement of this business." "Thank you, many thanks," replied the colonel, with an expression of disappointment. " Then I had better prepare the letter?'' " Carta por senhor commandate," interrupted a Portuguese, presenting a letter to the colonel ; " O senhor embaixo ; queir risposta." The colonel opened the letter, which contained Mr. Sulli- van's challenge, — pistols — tq-morrow morn, at daylight — one mile on the road to Machico. The colonel's countenance changed two or three shades less yellow as he read the contents : recovering himself with a giggle, he handed the letter to Captain Carrington. " You see, captain, the gentleman has saved me the trouble — He, he, he ! these little affairs are common to gentlemen of our profession — He, he ! and, since the gentleman wishes it, why, I presume — He, he ! that we must not disappoint him." " Since you are both of one mind, I think there will be some business done," observed Mr. S . " I perceive that he is in earnest by the place named for the meeting. We generally settle our affairs of honour in the Loo-fields ; but I suppose he is afraid of interruption. — They want an answer, colonel." " Oh 1 he shall have one," repUed the colonel, tittering with excitement; "he shall have one. What hour does he say?" " Oh, we will arrange all that. Come, colonel," said Cap- tain Carrington, taking him familiarly by the arm, and leading him away. Th^ answer was despatched, and they sat down to dinner. jLiB MEWTON FORSTEk; 0^, Many were the friendly and encouraging glasses of wine drank with the colonel, who recovered his confidence, and was then most assiduous in his attentions to the ladies, to prove his perfect indifference. He retired at an early hour, nevertheless. In the meantime Mr. Sullivan had received the answer, and had retired to his counting-house, to arrange his affairs in case of accident. He had not seen his wife since the fracas. And now we will leave them for a while, and make a few remarks upon duelling. . . Most people lament, many abuse, the custom as barbarous; but barbarous it is not, or it would not be necessary in a state of high civilization. It is true, that by the practice we offend laws human and divine ; but, at the same time, it must be acknowledged, that neither law nor religion can keep society in such good order, or so restrain crime. The man who would defy the penalty of the law, and the commandments of his God against seduction, will, however, pause in his career, when he finds that there are brothers to avenge an injured sister. And why so ? — because in this world we live, as it were, in a tavern, careless of what the bill is we run up, but dreading the day of reckoning, which the pistol of our adversary may bring at once. Thus, duelling may be considered as a necessary evil, arising out of our wickedness ; a crime in itself rare in occurrence, but which prevents others of equal magnitude from occurring every day ; and, until the world is reformed, nothing can prevent it. Men will ever be governed by the estimation of the world : and until the whole world decide against duelling — until it has become the usage to offer the other cheek upon the first having been smitten — then, and not till then, \vill the practice be discontinued. When a man refuses to fight a duel, he is stigmatized as a coward, his company is shunned ; and, unless he is a wretch without feeling, his life becomes a burden. Men have refused from purely conscien- tious motives, and have subsequently found themselves so miserable, from the neglect and contumely of the world, that they have hackslided^ and have fought to recover their place in society. There have been some few — very few — who, having refused from conscientious motives, have adhered to these reolutions, because they feared God and not man. There was THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 229 more courage in their refusal than if they had run the gauntlet of a hundred duels; a moral courage which is most rare, — preferring the contempt of man to the wrath of God. It is, however, the most trying situation on this side of the grave. To refuse to fight a duel, is, in fact, to obey the stern injunc- tion, ** Leave all, and tollow me." For my part, I never have and never will fight a duel, if I can help it. I have a double motive for my refusal ; in the first place, I am afraid to ofiend the Deity; and in the next, I am afraid of being shot. 1 have, therefore, made up my mind never to meet a man except upon what I consider fair terms ; for when a man stakes his life, the gambling becomes rather serious, and an equal value should be laid down by each party. If, then, a man is not so big — not of equal conse- quence in the consideration of his fellow-mites — not married, with five small children, as I am — not having so much to lose, —why, it is clear that I risk more than he does ; the stake is not equal, and I, therefore, shall not meet him. If, on the contrary, he presents a broader target — if he is my superior in rank, more patriarchal at home, or has so many hundreds per annum more — why, then the disadvantages will be on his side; and I trust I am too much of a gentleman, even if he offers to waive all these considerations, to permit him to fight. It would be swifidling the man out of his life. The best advice I can offer to my friends under these unpleasant circumstances is, first to try if they cannot persuade their adversaries to make an apology: and if they will not, why, then, let them make one themselves ; for although the making an apology creates a very uneasy sensation, and goes very much against the stomach, yet, depend upon it, a well-directed bullet creates a much more uneasy feeling, and, what is worse, goes directly into it. We left Mrs. Sullivan sobbing in her anger, when her hus- band bounded out of the room in his heroics. At the time that he made the threat she was in no humour to regard it ; but as her anger gradually subsided, so did her alarm increase. Notwithstandmg that she was a coquette, she was as warmly attached to her husband as he was to her ; if she trifled, it was only for her amusement, and to attract that meed of admiration to which she had been accustomed previous to her marriage, 330 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, and which no woman can renounce on her first entry into that state. Men cannot easily pardon jealousy in their wives ; but women are more lenient towards their husbands. Love, hand- in-hand with confidence, is the more endearing ; yet, when confidence happens to be out of the way, Love will sometimes associate with Jealousy; still, as this disagreeable companion proves that Love is present, and as his presence is what a woman and all a woman asks, she suffers Jealousy, nay, some- times even becomes partial to him, for the sake of Love. Now, that Mrs. Sullivan had been most unjustly accused, the reader must know, and, moreover, that she had great reason to feel irritated. When her tears had subsided, for some time she continued in her chair, awaiting, with predetermined dignity, the appearance and apology of Mr. Sullivan. After some time had elapsed, she wondered why he did not come. Dinner was announced, and she certainly expected to meet him then, and she waited for some minutes to see if he would not take this opportunity of coming up to her; — but no. She then pre- sumed that he was still in the sulks, and had sat down to table, without her, and therefore, as he would not come — why, she went ; but he was not at the table. Every minute she expected him. Had he been told? Where was he? — He was in the counting-house, was the reply. Mrs. Sullivan swallowed a few mouthfuls, and then returned upstairs. Tea was made — announced to Mr. SulUvan, yet he came not. It remained on the table ; the cup poured out for him was cold. The urn had been sent down, with strict injunctions to keep the vvater boil- ing, and all vv^as cleared away. Mrs. Sullivan fidgeted and ruminated, and became uneasy. He never had been at variance for many hours since their marriage, and all for nothing ! At last the clock struck ten, and she rang the bell. —-"Where is Mr. Sullivan?" — "In the counting-house." — " Tell him that I wish to speak with him." Mr. Sullivan had not answered him, and the door was locked inside. This intelligence created a little irritation, and checked the tide of affection. ^' Before all the servants — so inconsiderate — it was quite insulting !" With a heavy heart, Mrs. Sullivan lighted the chamber candle, and went upstairs to bed. Once she turned down the stairs two or three steps, intending to go to the counting-house door; but her pride restrained her, and she THE MERCHANT SER VICE, ^31 reascenrled. In an hour Mrs. Sullivan was in bed, expecting her husband every minute, listening at the slightest sound for his footstep; but two o'clock came, and he was still away. She could bear up against her suspense and agitation no longer; she rose, threw on her robe de miit, and descended the stairs. All the family had long retired, and everything was still: her light foot made no noise as she tripped along. As she neared the door she perceived the light gleaming through the key-hole. Whether to peep or to speak fiist — he might be fast asleep. Curiosity prevailed — she looked through the key- hole, and perceived her husband very busy writing. After he had finished his letter he threw down his pen, pressed his fore- head with both hands, and groaned deeply. Mrs. Sullivan could refrain no longer. "William! William!" cried she, in a soft, imploring voice: but she was not answered. Again and again did she repeat his name, until an answer, evidently wrung from him by impatience, was returned — " It is too late now." " Too late, dear William I Yes, it is very late — it's almost three o'clock. Let me in, William — pray do!" " Leave me alone : it's the last favour I shall probably ever request of you." " The last favour! Oh, William! you frighten me so. Dear William — do — do let me in. I'm so cold — I shall die. Only for one moment, and I'll bless you. Pray do, William!" It was not until after repeated and repeated entreaties of this kind that Mr. Sullivan, worn out by importunity, at last opened the door. " Mary, I am very busy ; I have opened the door to tell you so, and to request that you will not interrupt me. Now oblige me by going to bed." But getting in was everything ;. and a young and pretty wife, in dishabille and in tears, imploring, entreating, conjuring, promising, coaxing, and fondling, is not quite so easy to be detached when once she has gained access. In less than half an hour Mr. Sullivan was obliged to confess that her conduct had been the occasion of a meeting being agreed upon for thrt morning, and that he was arranging his affairs in case of a melancholy termination. ** You now, Mary, must see the consequences of your con- duct. By your imprudence your husband's life is risked, 232 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, probably sacrificed ; but this is no time to be at variance. I forgive you, Mary — from my soul I do, as I hope for pardon myself/* Mrs. Sullivan burst into a paroxysm of tears; and it was some time before she could answer. "William,^^ cried she, ener- getically, " as you well say, this is no time to be at variance, neither is it a time for falsehood. AVhat I stated to you this morning was true ; — if not, may I never hope for pardon ! and may heaven never be opened to me ! You liave been deceived — grossly deceived j for what purpose, I know not : but so it is. Do not, therefore, be rash. Send for all who were present, and examine them ; and if I have told you a falsehood, put me away from you, to the shame and seclusion I shall so well deserve." " It is too late, Mary ; I have challenged him, and he has accepted it. I fain would believe you; but he told me so himself." " Then he told a lie ! a base, cowardly lie ! which sinks him beneath the notice of a gentleman. Let me go with you and confront him. Only let him dare to say it to my face ; 'tis all I ask, William, that I may clear my fame with you. Come to my bed — nay, nay, don't refuse me ; " and poor Mrs. Sullivan again burst into tears. We must leave the couple to pass the remaining hours in misery, which, however, reclaimed them both from faults. Mrs. Sullivan never coquetted more ; and her husband was, after this, never jealous but on trifles. The colonel was just as busy on his side in preparing for the chances of the morrow : these chances, however, were never Uied \ for Captain Carrington and his confederates had made their arrangements. Mr. Sullivan was already dressed, his wife clinging to him in frantic despair, when a letter was left at his door, the purport of which was that Colonel Ellice had dis- covered that his companions had been joking with him, when they had asserted that during his state of inebriety he had offered any rudeness to Mrs. Sullivan. As, therefore, no offence had been com.mitted, Colonel Ellice took it for granted that Mr. Sullivan would be satisfied with the explanation. Mrs. Sullivan, who devoured the writing over her husband's shoulder, i-ank down on her knees in gratitude, and v/as raised THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 233 to her husband's arms, who, as he embraced her, acknowledged his injustice. The same party who wrote this epistle also framed another in imitation of Mr. Sullivan's handwriting, in which Mr. Sullivan acquainted the colonel, that having been informed by a mutual friend that he had been in error relative to Colonel Ellice's behaviour of the night before, he begged to withdraw the challenge, and apologise for having suspected the colonel of incivility, &c. That having been informed that Colonel Ellice embarked at an early hour, he regretted that he would not be able to pay his respects to him, and assure him, &c. The receipt of this letter, just as the colonel had finished a cup of coffee, preparatory to starting, made him, as a single man, quite as happy as the married couple : he hastened to put the letter into the hands of Captain Carrington, little thinking that he was handing it over to the writer. "You observe, Captain Carrington, he won't come to the scratch. Perhaps as well for him that he does not," said the colonel, chuckling in his glee. The breakfast was early; the colonel talked big, and ex- plained the whole affair to the ladies, quite unconscious that everyone in the company knew that the hoax had been played upon him. Before noon, everyone had embarked on board of their respective ships, and their lofty sails were expanded to a light and favouring breeze. CHAPTER XXXVI. '* Is AC EL. — AiiyiuJiere to avoid matrimony : the thought oj a husband is terrible to me. Inis. — Bitt if you might choose for yourself I fancy matri7ftony would be no such frightful thing to you.^^ — *' The Wonder." The Boadicea, widi the Ind'amen, proceeded on to their desti- nation, Captain Carrington taking every opportunity which light winds and smooth water afforded him of p;^ying his respects to the ladies on board of the Bombay Castle, or of invitin.^ them on board of the fricate. 'I he fact was that he 234 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, had fallen most desperately in love with Isabel Revel, and paid her the most marked attention \ but, ahhough a pleasant, light- hearted companion, and a youn^r rnan of good family and prospects, Isabel Revel had not fallen in love with him : she liked his company, but nothing more. In a month the squadron had arrived at the island of St. Helena, to which Captain Garrington had been ordered to con- voy them : his directions were then to cruise in a certain lati- tude, and ultimately to proceed on to the East Indies, if he did not fall in with the vessels he expected. It was, therefore, but parting to meet again ; but during the short time that they refuted, and completed their v/ater, at St. Helena, Captain Carrington proposed, and was poHtely refused by Isabel Revel. Impatient as a boy who has been denied his plaything, he ordered his stores immediately on board, and the next day quitted the island. It may appear strange that a young lady, obviously sent out on speculation, should have refused so ad- vantageous an offer ; for the speculation commences with the voyage. Some ladies are selected at Madeira. Since the Cape has been in our possession, several have been induced to stay in that colony; and very often ships arrive with only the 7'efitse of their cargo for the intended market in the East. But Isabel Revel had consented to embark on the score of filial duty, not to obtain a husband, unless she liked the gentleman who proposed ; and Captain Carrington did not happen to come up to her fanciful ideas of the person to be chosen for life. Captain Carrington did not impart the intelligence of his ill-success to anyone but Newton, who was employed to carry his farewell message. His secret was faithfully kept by both. Isabel Revel was not one of those young ladies who would make use of such an unworthy advantage to heighten her consequence in the eyes of others. But there was another reason, not exactly known to Isabel herself at the time, which prevented her from listening to the proposals of Captain Carrington. Had she questioned her own heart, she would have discovered that she was prepossessed in favour of one v/ho as unconsciously had become attached to her. He knew his own feelings, but had checked them in the bud, aware that he had nothing to offer but himself. This person was Newton Forstcr, His intimacy with Captain Carrington, the attention THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 235 shown him by Captain Drawlock (who entrusted him to work the chronometers !), his own excellent character and handsome person, had raised him to more importance than his situation as a junior officer would have warranted ; and his behaviour was such as to have secured him the good-will of everyone on board of the ship. Newton's unassuming, frank manner, added to a large stock of general information, occasioned his society to be courted, even by those who would otherwise have been inclined to keep at a distance one in his subordinate rank. When they arrived at St. Helena, the first-mate, for a wonder, no longer made any difficulty of going on shore for an hour or two, if he knew that Newton would be the commanding officer during his absence ; nay, so high did he stand in the opinion of his captain, that not only was he permitted to take charge of the chronometers, but if called away for a time below, Captain Drawlock would hand over to Newton's charge any- one of the unmarried responsibilities who might happen to be leaning on his arm. The Indiamen being now left to protect themselves, the senior officer, Commodore Bottlecock, issued most elaborate memoranda, as to the order of sailing, exercise of the men at the great guns and small arms, and every other point which could tend to their security by due preparation. Nevertheless, the ladies continued to appear on deck. Mrs. Ferguson sat in her majesty; the young ladies tittered, and were reprimanded; the young gentlemen were facetious, and were rebuked ; the old colonel talked of his adventure at Madeira, and com- pared everything to the spent ball at the battle of . Dr. Plausible had become a most assiduous attendant upon Miss Tavistock, ever since he had satisfactorily ascertained that she had property of her own ; everybody had become intimate ; everyone was becoming tired, when the bearings and distance at noon placed them about two hundred miles from Point de Galle, the southernmost extremity of Ceylon. The wind was fresh and fair, and they congratulated each other upon a speedy termination to their tedious voyage. Dinner was announced by the old tune of " Oh 1 the roast beef of Old England ; " and during a long voyage the an- nouncement of dinner is a very great relief every way. As had been the invariable rule thfoughout the whole of the voyage, 236 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, Miss Charlotte and Miss Laura Revel were placed on the one side of Captain Drawlock, Miss Tavistock and Isabel Revel on the other. They were flanked on the other side by Mrs. and Mr. Ferguson, who thus separated them from any- undue collision with the gentlemen passengers or officers of thfe ship. The colonel was placed next to Mrs. Ferguson, the young v/riter next to her husband : then the two cadets, sup- ported by the doctor and purser, the remainder of the table being filled up with the officers of the ship, with the first-mate at the foot. Such was the order of Captain Drawlock's dinner- sailing ; as strictly adhered to as the memoranda of Commo- dore Bottlecock : the only communication permitted with the young ladies under his charge (unless married men) being to "request the honour of drinking a glass of wine with them." All this may appear very absurd ; but a little reflection will convince the reader to the contrary. There is a serious responsibility on a captain of an Indiaman, who takes charge of perhaps a dozen young women, who are to be cooped up for months in the same ship with as many young men. Love, powerful everywhere, has on the waters even more potent sway, hereditary, I presume, from his mother's nativity. Idleness is the friend of love ; and passengers have little or nothing to do to while away the tedium of a voyage. In another point, he has great advantage, from the limited number of the fair sex. In a ball or in general society, a man may see hundreds of women, admire many, yet fall in love w'wh. none. Numbers increase the difficulty of choice, and he remains delighted, but not enslaved. But on board of a ship, the continued presence of one whom he admires by comparison out of the few — one who, perhaps, if on shore, would in a short time be eclipsed by another, but who here shines without competition — gives her an advantage which, assisted by idleness and opportunity, magnifies her attractions, and sharpens the arrow of all- conquering Love. Captain Drawlock perhaps knew this from experience ; he knew also that the friends of one party, if not of both, might be displeased by any contract formed when under his surveillance, and that his character and the character of his ship (f)r ships nowadays have characters, and very much depend upon them for toeir well doing) might sufler in 7 HE MERCHANT SER VICE. 237 jConsequence. Strict as he might therefore appear, he was only -domg his duty. Grace being requested from Mr. Ferguson, he indulged the company widi one quite as long as usual ; rather too long, considering that the ship was very unsteady, and the ladies had to cling to the table for support. But Mr. Ferguson was not a ,3ailor, or he would have known that it is the custom to reduce 4^he grace in proportion with the canvas. When the royals are set, we submit to a homily; under double-reefed topsails, a blessing ; but under storm stay-sails, an ejaculation is considered as orthodox. " Mrs. Ferguson, will you permit me to send you a little mulligatawney?'* said Captain Drawlock : "if you prefer it, there is sheep's-head broth at the other end of the table.'* " Then I will take a little of the broth, if you please. Captain Drawlock." " Mr. Mathews, Mrs. Ferguson will take some broth. I am sorry, Mrs. Ferguson, that our table is so ill-supplied; but a long voyage and bad weather has been very fatal to our hen-coops." " Indeed, Captain Drawlock, you need not apologise." Nor was there any occasion, for the table was loaded. " Perhaps Miss Laura Revel will permit me to send her a slice of this mutton?" said the obsequious colonel. " No, I thank you ; I have eaten.nothing but mutton lately. I think I shall be a sheep myself soon," added the young lady, tittering. " That would be very much against your inclination, I should think. Miss Laura," observed Mrs. Ferguson, tartly. " La ! why so? how do you know, Mrs. Ferguson?" " Because a sheep never changes its name until after it is dead. I shrewdly suspect you would like to change yours before." — (This was a hard hit.) "As you have yours, Mrs. Ferguson," quietly answered Isabel, in support of her sister, " Very fair on both sides," said the colonel, bowing to the ladies, who sat together. " Pray, Miss Laura, don't talk of being a sheep, we are all ready to devour you as it is." "La! you don't say so?" replied the young lady, much pleased. 23S NEWTON- FORSTER; OR, "Colonel Ellice," interrupted Captain Drawlock, witli a serious air, " several of the company will thank you to carve that joint, when you have finished paying your compliments. Miss Tavistock, the honour of a glass of wine. We have not had the pleasure of your company on deck to-day.^' " No, Captain Drawlock. I did intend to come, but my health is in such a delicate state, that by the advice of Dr. Plausible I remained below." " Miss Tavistock, will you allow me to send you some mutton ? " " If you please, colonel ; a very small slice.'* " Mr. Forster, what have you in that dish before you ? " "A chicken. Captain Drawlock.'' " Miss Isabel Revel, will you take some chicken ? " " No, I thank you. Captain Drawlock," replied Isabel. " Did you say yes or no?" inquired Newton, who had caught her eye. " I'll change my mind,'* said Isabel, smiling. Now, I know it for a fact, although I shall not give up my authority, that Isabel Revel never wanted any chicken until she perceived that Newton was to help her. So, if Love occasionally takes away the appetite, let us do him justice — he sometimes creates one. " Miss Tavistock, allow me to send you a little of this turkey," said Dr. Plausible ; " it is easy of digestion." " If you please, doctor," replied Miss Tavistock, cramming the last mouthful of mutton into her mouth, and sending away her plate to be changed. " Will you not take a little ham with it. Miss Tavistock ? " said Captain Drawlock. " If you please, sir." " The honour of, a glass of wine. Miss Tavistock," said the colonel. ** With pleasure, sir." " Miss Charlotte Revel, you have really eaten nothing," said Captain Drawlock. " That proves you have not paid me the least attention," replied the young lady. " Had you honoured me with a single glance during dinner, you could not but have observed that I have been dining very heartily," THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 239 " I really am quite shocked, Miss Charlotte, and bow to your reproof. Will you take a glass of wine with me, in recon- ciliation ? " ** I consider a glass of Madeira a very poor bribe, sir." " Well, then. Miss Charlotte, it shall be champagne," replied Captain Drawlock, in his gallantry. *' Steward, champagne.'^ A fortunate hit for the company; as champagne was in general only produced upon what sailors call " clean shirt days," — viz., Sundays and Thursdays. "We are highly indebted to Miss Revel," observed the colonel, bowing to her ; " and I think we ought to drink her health in a bumper." Agreed to, 7iem, con. Champagne, thou darling of my heart ! To stupefy oneself with other wines, is brutal ; but to raise oneself to the seventh heaven with thee, is quite ethereal. The soul appears to spurn the body, and take a transient flight without its dull associate — the — the — broke down, by Jupiter ! All I meant to say was, that champagne is very pretty tipple; and so thought the dinner party, who were proportionally enlivened. " Is this orthodox, Mr. Ferguson " inquired the colonel, holding up his glass. "So far orthodox, that it is very good; and what is orthodox is good," replied the divine, with good-humour. " The Asia has made the signal for ' a strange sail — suspi- cious,* " said the second-mate to Captain Drawlock, putting his head into the cabin. " Very well, Mr. Jones, keep a glass upon the commodore." " Mrs. Ferguson, will you take some of this tart ! Damascene, I believe," said the first-mate. " If you please, Mr. Mathews. — Did not Mr. Jones say * suspicious ' — What does that imply ? " " Imply, madam ; why, that he don't like the cut of her jib !'' "And pray what does that mean ? " " Mean, madam : why, that for all he knows to the contrary, she may be a French frigate." " A French frigate ! a French frigate ! O dear ! O dear ! " cried two or three ladies at a breath. " Mr. Mathews," said Captain Drawlock, " I am really sur- prised at your indiscretion. You have alarmed the ladies. A 240 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, su«;pidous sail, Mrs. Ferguson, merely implies in fact, that they do not know what she is." " Is that all it means ? " replied Mrs. Ferguson, with an in- credulous look. " Nothing more, madam ; nothing more, I assure you." " Commodore has made a signal that the strange vessel is a man-of-war bearing down," said the second-mate, again entering the cabin. " Very well, Mr. Jones," said Captain Drawlock, with assumed indifference, but at the same time fidgeting on his chair. The first-mate and Newton immediately quitted the cabin. " Miss Tavistock, will you take a little of this pudding ? " " If you please, sir, a very little." " A man-of-war ! I'll go and have a look at her," said the colonel : who rose up, bowed to the ladies, and left the cuddy. " Most probably one of our cruizeis," observed Captain Drawlock. "The commodore has made the signal to prepare for action, sir," said the second-mate. " Very well, Mr. Jones," said Captain Drawlock, who could now restrain himself no longer. " You must excuse me, ladies, for a moment or two ; but our commodore is so vety prudent a man, and I am under his orders. In a short time I hope to return to the pleasure of your society." Captain Drawlock's departure was followed by that of all the maleparty, with the exception of Dr. Plausible and Mr. Fer- guson, both of whom, however, were anxious to go upon deck, and ascertain how matters stood. " Mr. Ferguson, where are you going?" said his wife, sharply. " Pray, sir, do us the favour to remain. Your profession, if I mistake not, is one of peace." "Oh! Doctor Plausible, I feel very unwell," cried Miss Tavistock. " I will stay with you, my dear madam," replied the doctor. A gun from, the commodore's ship, which was close to wind- ward of them, burst upon their ears, rattling the cabin windows, and making every wine-glass on the table to dance with the concussion. " Oh ! oh ! oh ! " screamed Miss Tavistock, throwing herself back in her chair, and expanding her arms and fingers. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 241 Doctor Plausible flew to the lady's assistance. ** The extreme fineness of her organic structure, — alittle water, if you please, Miss Charlotte Revel/* A tumbler of water was poured out, and Doctor Plausible, dipping the lip of his forefinger into it, parsed it lightly over the lady's brows. "She will be better directly." But the lady did not think proper to come too as soon as the doctor prophesied, and ]\Irs. Ferguson, snatching up the tumbler, dashed the contents with violence in Miss Tavistock's face; at which Miss Tavistock not only revived, but jumj^ed up from her chair, blowing and spluttering. "Are you better now, Mi-s Tavistock ? " said Mrs. Ferguson, soothingly, at the same time glancing her eyes at the other ladies, who could not restrain their mirth. " Oh ! Doctor Plausible, that shock has so affected my nerves, I feel that I shall faint again, I do indeed — I'm going " " Lean upon me. Miss Tavistock, and permit me to conduct you to your cabin," replied the doctor; "the extreme delicacy of your constitution," continued he, whispering, as they left the cuddy, " is not equal to the boisterous remedies of Mrs. Ferguson." As they went out, Newton Forster came in. " You must not be alarmed, ladies, when I state that I am commissioned by Captain Drawlock to inform you that the stranger's manoeuvres are so doubtful, that we think she is an enemy. He has desired me to request you will accept my convoy to the lower-deck, where you will be safe from accident, in the event of our coming to an engagement. Mr. Ferguson, the captain entrusts the ladies to your charge, and requests that you will not leave them upon any consideration. Now, Mrs. Ferguson, will you permit me to escort you to a place of security ? " At this intelligence Laura Revel stared, Charlotte burst into tears, and Isabel turned pale. Mrs. Ferguson took the arm of Newton without saying a word, when the other was offered and accepted by Isabel. Mr. Ferguson, with the two other sisters, brought up the rear. The ladies had to pass the quarter-deck, and when they saw the preparations — the guns cast loose, the shot lying on the deck, and all the v^irious ai)paratus for destruc- tion — their fears increased. When they had been conducted to R 242 NEWTOri FORSTER; OR, their place of safety, Newton was about to return on deck, when he was seized by Miss Charlotte and Laura Revel, who entreated him not to leave them. " Do stay with us, Mr. Forster ; pray, don't go," cried they both. " I must, indeed, ladies ; you are perfectly safe here." *'For God's sake, don't you go away, Mr. Forster !" cried Laura, faUing on her knees. "I shall die of fright. — You sha'n't go ! " screamed Laura, as the two sisters clung on to the skirts of his jacket, and effectually prevented his escape, unless, like the patriarch, he had left his garment behind. Newton cast an appealing glance at Isabel, who immediately interfered, — " Charlotte, for shame ! you are preventing Mr. Forster from going to his duty. My dear Laura, do not be so foolish; Mr. Forster can be of no service to us; but he will be on deck. Let go, Laura.'' Newton w^as released. " I am much obliged to you. Miss Isabel,*' said Newton, with his foot on the ladder; *' but I have no time now to express my thanks — not to be on deck '' " I know it, Mr. Forster: go up, I beseech you; do not w^ait a moment : " and Newton sprang up the ladder ; but not before he had exchanged with Isabel a glance which, had he been deficient in courage, w^ould have nerved him for the approach- ing combat. We must leave the ladies with Mr. Ferguson (who had no pleasant office), while w^e follow Newton on deck. The stranger had borne down with studding-sails, until within three miles of the Indiamen, when she rounded to. She then kept away a little, to close nearer, evidently examining the force opposed to her. The Indiamen had formed the line of battle in close order, the private signal between English men-of-war and East India ships flying at their mast-heads. " Extremely strange, that she does not answer the private signal," said the colonel to the second-mate. " Not at all, if she don't know how%" " You are convinced, then, that she is a French frigate ? " " No, not positive ; but I'll bet you ten to one she is : — bet off if either of us are killed, of course ! " " Thanky ; I never bet," answered the colonel, turning avv-ay. " What do you think of her, Mr. Mathews ? '' said Captain Drawlock to the first-mate, who had his eyes on the ship. - 7 HE MERCHANT SER VICE. 24 3 "She is English built and English rigged, sir, that I'll swear ; look at her lower yard-arms, the squaring of her topsails. She may be French now, but the oak in her timbers grew in Old England." " I agree with you," said Newton : *' look at the rake of her stern ; she is English all over." " Then, why don't she answer the private signal ? " said Cap- tain Drawlock. " She's right in the wind's eye of us sir, and our flags are blowing end on from her." " There goes up her bunting, sir," cried the flrst-mate. " English, as I said. The commodore is answering, sir. Up with the ensign there abaft. All's right, tell the ladies." "I will; I'll go and inform them," said the colonel; who immediately descended to impart the joyful intelligence. The frigate bore down, and hove to. The commodore of the India squadron went on board, when he found that she was cruizing for some large Dutch store-shios and vessels armed ^/z fliUe^ which were supposed to have sailed from Java. In a quarter of an hour, she again miade sail, and parted company, leaving the Indiamen to secure their guns, and pursue their course. There are two parties whose proceedings we had overlooked ; we refer to Miss Tavistock and Dr. Plausible. The latter handed the lady to her cabin, eased her down upon her couch, and taking her hand gently, retained it in his own, while with his other he continued to watch her pulse. " Do not alarm yourself, my dear Miss Tavistock ; your sensibility is immense. I will not leave you. I cannot think what could have induced you to trust yourself on such a voyage of danger and excitement." " Oh ! Dr. Plausible, where my affections are centred there is nothing, weak creature that I am, but my soul would carry me through : indeed I am all soul. I have a dear friend in India." " He is most happy," observed the doctor, with a sigh. ** He, Dr. Plausible ! you quite shock me ! Do you imagine for a moment that I would go out to follow any gentleman ? No, indeed, I am not going out on speculation, as seme young ladies : I have enough of my own, thank God ! I keep my 244 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, carriage and corresponding establishment, I assure you," — (The very thing that Dr. Plausible required.) " Indeed ! my dear Miss Tavistock, is it then really a female friend?" " Yes ! the friend of my childhood. I have ventured this tedious, dangerous voyage, once more to fold her in my arms." " Disinterested affection ! a heart like yours, miss, were indeed a treasure to be won. What a happy man would your husband be ! " " Husband ! Oh, Dr. Plausible don't mention it : I feel convinced, — positively convinced, that my constitution is not strong enough to bear matrimony." The doctor's answer was too prolix for insertion ; it was a curious compound dissertation upon love and physic, united. There was devoted attention, extreme gentle treatment, study of pathology, advantage of medical attendance always at hand, careful nursing, extreme solicitude, fragility of constitution restored, i:)ropriety of enlarging the circle of her innocent affections, ending at last in devoted love, and a proposal — to share her carriage and establishment. Miss Tavistock assumed another faint — the shock was so great ; but the doctor knelt by her, and kissed her hand, with well affected rapture. At last, she murmurred out a low assent, and fell back, as if exhausted with the effort. The doctor removed his lips from her hand to her mouth, to seal the con- tract ; and, as she yielded to his wishes, aln)ost regretted that he had not adhered to his previous less assuming gallantry. ' CHAPTER XXXVII. ** ^T/V sweet to hear the watch-dog's honest bark, Bay deep- mouthed welcovieas zue dratu near home; ^Tis S7veet to know there is an eye lui/l mark Our coming— and look brightt r when we come. " — By RON. Edward Forster returned home with his little protegee^ his mind relieved from the weight which had oppressed it : he knew that the word of his brother was his bond, and that under a rough exterior he concealed a e^enerous and sympa- Tim MERCHANT SERVICE. 24S blitzing heart. It was in the early pan of the autumn that he ..again took possession of the cuttage ; and as he once more seated himself in his old arm-chair, he mentally exclaimed, ** Here then am I again at anchor for a short time until summoned to another world." His prophecy was correct; during the severe winter that followed, his wound opened agun, and his constitution worn out, gave way to repeated suffering. He had not been confined to his bed more than a fortnight v/hen he felt that his end was approacbins^. He had long been prepared : nothing remained to be done but to write a letter to his brother, which he confided to Robinson, the fisherman ; with directions that it should be put in the post-office immediately after his death ; and a strict charge to watch over the litde girl, until she should be sent for by his brother. This last necessary act had been completed when Robinson, who was standing by the side of the bed, with the letter in his hand, informed him that the family at the Hall had returned from the Continent .on the evening before, with their only son, who was now restored to health. This intelligence induced Forster to alter his plans ; and trusting to the former friendship of Lord Aveleyn, he despatched Robinson to the Hall stating his own condition, and requesting that his lordbhip wouM come to the cottage. Lord Aveleyn immediately obeyed the sum- mons ; and perceiving at the first glance that Forster's situation debarred all chance of recovery, took upon himself with wil- lingness the charge of the letter, and promised to receive Amber into his house until it was convenient that she should be removed. It was dark when Lord Aveleyn, with melancholy foreboding, took his last farewell; for, ere the sun had risen again, the spirit of Edward Forster had regained its liberty, and soared to the empyrean, while the deserted Amber wept and prayed. Edward Forster had not concealed from her the precarious tenure of his existence, and since their return from London had made her fully acquainted with all the particulars connected with her own history. The last few weeks, every interval of suffering had been devoted by him to enforce those principles which he ever had inculcated, and to prepare for the event which had now taken place. Amber was kneeling by the side of the bed ; she had been 246 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, there so long that she v/as not aware that it was broad day. Her face, laid upon her hands, was completely hidden by her luxuriant hair, which had escaped from the confinement of the comb, when the door of the chamber of death v/as softly opened. Amber, who either did not hear the noise or thought it was the daughter of Robinson, who lived as servant in the cottage, raised not her head. The steps continued to approach, then the sound ceased, and Amber felt the arms of som.e one encircling her waist to raise her from her kneeling posture. She lifted up her head, and dividing the hair from her forehead, that she might see who it was, perceived that it was young Aveleyn who was hanging over her. " My poor little girl V^ said he in a tone of commiseration. " Oh ! William Aveleyn,'' cried Amber, bursting into a paroxysm of tears, as she was folded in his arms. The sorrow of youth is sympathetic, and William Aveleyn, although seventeen years old, and fast advancing to manhood, did not disdain to mingle his tears with those of his former playmate. It was some time before he could persuade Amber, who clung to him in her grief, to any degree of serenity. "Amber dear, you must come to us at the Hall ; this is no place for you now." **And why not, William? Why should I leave so soon? I'm not afraid of being here, or lying by his side alone : I've seen other people die. I saw^ Mrs. Beazely die — I saw poor 'Faithful' die; and now, they all zxo, dead," said Amber,, bursting into tears, and burying her face in William Aveleyn's bosom. " I knew that he was to die," said she, raising her head, after a time — " he told me so ; but, to think that I shall never hear him speak again — that very soon I shall never see him more — I must cry, William." " But your father is happy. Amber." " He is happy, I know \ but he was not my father, William. I have no father — no friend on earth I know of. He told me all before he died ; * Faithful ' brought me from the sea." This intelligence roused the curiosity of William Aveleyn, who interrogated Amber, and obtained from her the whole of the particulars communicated by Edward Forster ; and, as she answered to his many questions, she grev/ more composed. The narrative had scarcely been finished, when Lord Aveleyn, THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 247 who had been summoned by Robinson, drove to the door, accompanied by Lady Aveleyn, who thought that her presence and persuasions would more readily induce Ami er to leave the cottage. Convinced by her of the propriety of the proposal, Amber was put into the carriage without resistance, and con- veyed to the Hall, where everything that kindness and sym- pathy could suggest was resorted to, to assuage her grief. There we must leave her, and repair to the metropolis. " Scratton,'* said Mr. John Forster to his clerk, who had answered the bell, *' recollect I cannot see anyone to-day." "You have several appointments, sir," replied the cleric "Then send, and put them all off." " Yes, sir 3 and if anyone calls, I am to say that you are not at home ? " " No, I am at home ; why tell a lie ? but I cannot see anybody.'* The clerk shut the door ; John Forster put on his spectacles to reperuse the letter which lay before him. It was the one from Edward, inclosed in a frank by Lord Aveleyn, with a few lines, announcing his brother's death, and stating that Amber was at the Hall, where they should be g^ad that she should remain until it was convenient to send for her. Edward's letter repeated his thanks to his brother for his kind promise, and took a last and affectionate farewell. John Forster struggled for a time with his feelings ; but the more he attempted to repress them the more violent they became. He was alone, and he gave them vent. The legal documents before him, arising from the bitterness of strife, were thus unusually mois- tened with a tribute to a brother's memory. But in a few moments the old lawyer was himself again ; all traces of emo- tion had disappeared, and no one who had seen him then v/ould ever have imagined that John Forster could have been thus moved. The next day he was not as usual to be found at his chambers : the fact was, that he had set off immediately after breakfast, upon v/hat is generally termed "house hunting." The apartments which he occupied in his chambers were not sufficient for the intended increase of his establislnnent ; and ^vhen he had given his promise to Edward, he was fully aware of the expense which would be entailed by receiving Amber, and had made up his mind to incur it. He therefore fixed 248 ■ NEWTOM FORSTER; OR] upon a convenient house in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which would not detach him far from his chambers. Having arranged for a lease of twelve years, John Forster returned to his chambers. " Scratton," said he, " look out for a man-servant, a cook, housemaid, and a steady woman as housekeeper — good charac- ters, and undeniable reference. The housekeeper must be a somewhat superior person, as she will have to take charge of a young miss, and I do not want her spoiled by keeping com- pany with the general description of servants. Do you under- stand?'* Scratton did ; and in less than a month, as everything is to be obtained for money in the city of London, the house was furnished by a city upholsterer in a plain way, and all the ser- vants installed in their respective situations. Mr. John Forster took possession of his new house, and tried for a week if all worked well. Ascertaining that the furniture was complete, the under-servants well behaved, and the housekeeper a mild and very intelligent personage, fit to be intrusted with the charge of a litde girl, he then wrote to Lord Aveleyn, reiterating the thanks conveyed in his former letter, and requesting that Amber might be delivered into the charge of the bearer. With this letter Mr. Scratton was despatched, and, in due time, arrived at the Hall. Amber wept bitterly at the idea of parting with those who had been so kind to her, and passing into the hands of one who was a stranger. Having exacted a promise from William Aveleyn that he would call as , he pa'^sed through on his way to Cambridge, she bade her kind friends farewell, entered the chaise, in company with Mr. Scratton, and was hurried off to London. Mr. Scratton was one of those personages who never spoke except on business ; and, having no business to transact with a girl of twelve years old, he never spoke at all, except when necessity rendered it imperative. Amber was, therefore, left to her own reflections. What they all were, I cannot tell, but one certainly was, that travelling in a chaise for two days with Mr. Scratton was not very agreeable. Most happy was she when they drove up to the door of Mr. John Forster's new habitation. The old gentleman, who had calculated the hour of her arrival after the receipt of a letter from her companion, was there to receive her. Amber, who had been prepossessed THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 249 in his favour by Edward Forster, who had told her that in his brother she would find a prutector and indulgent parent, ran up to him when she entered the room, and burst into tears as the injunctions of Edward Forster returned to her memory. John Forster took her in his arms and kissed her. " My little girl,'' said he, *'what my brother was, such will I be to you. Consider me as your father ; for his memory, and I hope socn, lor your own sake, I shall rejoice to be so." After an hour, by which time Amber had recovered her serenity, and become almost cheerful, she was consigned to the charge of Mrs. Smith, the housekeeper, and John Forster hastened back to his chambers and his clients, to make up for so much lost time. It was not long before the old gentleman discovered that the trouble and exptnse that he had incurred to please his broiher was the occasion of pleasure and gratification. He no longer felt isolated in the world : in short, he had a ho77ie^ where a beaming eye met his return, and an affectionate heart ministered to his wishes ; where his wtll known rap at the door was a source of delight, and his departure one of regret. In a few months Amber had entwined herself round theoM man's heart : the best masters were procured for her, and all the affection of a doting parent upon an only child was bestowed by him who, when the proposition was made, had declared that ** it was bad enough to maintain children of one's own begetting." Bless my soul ! how poor authors are obliged to gallop about. Now I must be off again to India, and get on board of the Bombay Castle, CHAPTER XXXVIII " y4 green and gilded snahe had lureathed itself^ ., Who, with her head, nimble in threats, approach^ a The opening of his mouth.^^ — SHAKsrEARE; The Bombay Castle arrived at Madras without further adven- ture. A few hours after she had anchored, all the passengers, receiving kind messages from, or escorted on shore by their 250 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, relatives or consignees, had landed ; all, with the exception of the three Miss Revels, whose anxiety to land was increased by the departure of the others, and the unpleasant situation in ivhich they v/ere placed, by remaining a clog upon Captain Drawlock, who v/ould not quit his ship until he had surrendered up his charge. By inquiry of the dubashes, Captain Drawlock found out that an old Colonel Revel was residing at his bungalow, about two miles distant from the fort ; and supposhig him not to be aware of the arrival of his grand-nieces, he despatched Nevv^ton Forster to acquaint him with the circum- stance. It was late in the afternoon when Newton arrived at the residence of the colonel, when he perceived immediately that everything was on the establishment of an old Indian nabob. A double set of palanquin-bearers were stretched under the verandas ; syces were fanning the horses with their chowries, tailors and various craftsmen were at work in the shade, while a herd of consumers, butlers, and other Indian domestics, were loitering about, or very busy doing nothing. It will be necessary, before Newton is introduced to the colonel, that the colonel should be introduced to the reader. He was a man of nearly sixty years of age, forty-five of which, wuh the exception of occasional furlough, had been passed in the country. Having held several lucrative situations for many years, and, although not parsimonious, being very prudent in money concerns, he had amassed a very large fortune. More than once he had returned to England on leave, and with the full intention of remaining there, if he could be comfortablej- but a few months in his native country only made him more anxious to return to India. His habits, his tastes, were all Eastern ; the close hospitality, the cold winter of England, the loss of consequence, naturally resulting when a man mixes in the crov/d of London, all disgusted him, and he Invariably returned to India long before his furlough had expired. He v/as a bachelor from choice. When young he had been very cruelly treated by tlie object of his admiration, who deserted him for a few lacs of rupees, which offered themselves with an old man as their appendage. This had raised his bile against the sex in general, whom he considered as mercenary and treacherous. His parties were numerous and expensive, but THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 25^ women were never to be seen In his house; and his confirmed dislike to them was the occasion of his seldom visiting, except to those who v/ere like himself in a state of happy singleness. In other points, lie v;as a liberal, worthy man, and a perfect gentleman, but extremely choleric in his disposition. Newton addressed himself to one of the butlers, requesting to be announced. I'he man led tlie way to a spacious hall, coated and floored with chunam, when Newton perceived the colonel, who presented rather a curious spectacle. "Burra Saib ; Saib,'' said the Indian, and immediately retired. The colonel was a tall, gaunt man, with high cheek-bones, bushy eyebrows, and white hair. He was seated on a solitary chair in the centre of the hall ; his dress consisting of a pair of white nankeen trousers and a white shirt, the sleeves of the latter tucked up to his shoulders, and exposing sinewy arms, covered with hair. By his side lay a basket of mangoes, and before his chair a large tub of water. As Newton entered, he had an opportunity of witnessing the most approved method of eating this exquisite fruit. The colonel had then one as large as a cassowary's ^gg, held in both hands, and applied to his mouth, while he held his head over the tub of water, to catch the superabundant juice which flowed over his face, hands and arms, and covered them with a yellow stain. The con- tents of the mango were soon exhausted ; the stone and pulp were dropped into the tub of water, and the coloneVs hand was extended to the basket for a repetition of his luxurious feast, when Newton was announced. Newton was sorry to interrupt him, and would have made an apology, had he not observed that the colonel, whose back was towards him, continued his pleasing avocation : the fact was that the colonel w^as so intent upon his occupation that he had neither heard the announce- ment nor could he perceive Newton, who thus had an oppor- tunity of witnessing the demolition of at least two dozen more mangoes without the colonel having turned his eyes in that direction, or being aware that he was not alone. But some- thing at length attracted the attention of Newton, and induced him to come fonvard, and put an end to the colonel's repast. The colonel had just taken another mango out of the basket, when Nevv'ton perceived a small snake wind itself over the rim, and curl up one of the feet of the colonel's chair, in such a 252 NEWTOr^ FORSTER; OR, position that the very next time that the colonel reached out his hand, he must have come in contact with the reptile. Newton hardly knew how to act ; the slightest movement of the old gentleman might be fatal to him ; he therefore walked up softly and was about to strike the reptile on the head with his stick, when the colonel, as he leant over the tub, half rose from the chair. In an instant, Newton snatched it from under him, and jerked it, with the snake, to the corner of the hall. The colonel, whose centre of gravity had not been sufficiently forward to enable him to keep his feet, fell backward, when Newton and he both rolled on the floor together, and also both recovered their legs at the same time. "You'll excuse me, sir," said Newton. " 111 be d — d if I do, sir ! " interrupted the colonel, in a rage. "Who the devil are you? — and how dare you presume to play off such impertinent jokes upon a stranger? — Where did you come from? — How did you get in, sir?" "Is that a joke, sir?" replied Newton, calmly pointing to the snake, which was still hissing in its wrath at the corner of the room where the chair lay. Newton then briefly explained the circumstances. " Sir, I beg your pardon a thousand times, and am very much your debtor. It is the most venomous snake that we have in the country. I trust you will accept my apology for a moment's irritation ; and, at the same time, my sincere thanks.'* The colonel then summoned the servants, who provided diemselves with bamboos, and soon despatched the object which had occasioned the misunderstanding. The colonel then apologised to Newton, while he repaired to the bath, and in a few minutes returned, having undergone the necessary ablution after a mango feast. His dress was changed, and he offered the appearance of an upright, gentleman-like, hard-featured man, who had apparently gone through a great deal of service with- out his stamina having been much impaired. " I beg your pardon, my dear sir, for detaining you. May I request the pleasure of your name and the occasion of your providential visit?" " I have a letter for you, sir," replied Newton, who had been intrusted with the one which Mr. Revel had given to his daughters on their embarkation. THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 253 " Oh 1 a letter of introduction. It is now quite supcrHuous ; you have already introduced yourself." *' No, sir, it is not a letter of recommendation in my behalf, but to announce the arrival of your three grand-nieces — daughters of the Honourable Mr. Revel — in the Bombay Castle, the ship to which I belong." *'What?" roared the colonel, "my three grand-nieces! daughters of Mr. Revel ! " *' So I have understood from them, sir." The colonel tore open the letter, in which ]\Ir. Revel very coolly informed him that, not having received any answers to his former epistles on the subject, he presumed that they had miscarried, and had therefore been induced, in consequence of the difficulties which he laboured under, to send his daughters out to his kind protection. The colonel, as soon as he had finished the perusal of the letter, tore it into pieces again and again, every renewed action showing an increase of excitement. He then threw the fragments on the floor, stamping upon them in an ecstasy of rage. " The d — d scoundrel ! — the villain ! — the rascal ! — Do you know, sir, that when I was last in England this fellow swindled me out of a thousand pounds? Yes, sir, a thousand pounds, by G — d ! promised to pay me in three weeks ; and when I was coming back, and asked for my money, he laughed at me, and ordered his servant not to let me in. And now he has sent out his three daughters to me — pawned them off upon me, laughing, I suppose, in his sleeve, as he did when he cheated me before. I'll not receive them, by G — d ! they may find their way back again how they can ; " and the colonel paced the room up and down, throwing his arms about in his fury. Newton waited some time before he ventured to make any observation ; indeed, he was so astonished at such an unheard- of proceeding and so shocked at the unfortunate situation of Isabel that he hardly knew what to say. "Am I to inform the young ladies that you will not receive them?'' " You don't know me, sir. When did I ever receive a woman into my house ? They are all alike, sir. Plotted with their father, I'll answer for, with the hopes of getting husbands. Tell them, sir, that I'll see them d — d first ! Swindling 2S.\ NEWTON FORSTER; OR, scoundrel ! — first cheats me out of a thousand pounds, and then tries to cheat me into providing for his family ! '•' Nev/ton paused a httle, to allow the colonel's wrath to sub- side, and then observed — " I never was so much distressed as to be the bearer of your message. The young ladies are cer- tainly no parties to their father's dishonesty, and are in a situation much to be pitied. In a foreign country, thousands of miles from their friends, without means of subsistence, or of paying their passage home. What is to become of them?'' *' I don't care.'' "That your indignation is just. Colonel Revel, I admit; but allowing that you will not receive them, how are they to return home? Captain Drawlock, I am sure, would give them- a passage ; but we proceed to China. Poor girls," continued Newton, with a sigh. "I should like to make a remark, Colonel Revel, if it were not considered too great a liberty in a stranger.'' " You have already taken a liberty which in all probability has saved my life. I shall be happy to listen to any remark that you may wish to offer." "It was, sir, that, reprehensible as their father's conduct may be, common humanity, and a regard for your own character, will hardly warrant their being left thus destitute. They, at least, are your relations, and have neither offended nor deceived you; on the contrary, are, with you, joint victims of their father's deception." " You appear to take a great interest in these young ladies," observed the colonel, sharply. " If I had never seen them, sir, their present unfortunate dilemma would be sufficient. Knowing them intimately as I do, I must say that this intelligence will be, to one, at least, a death-blow. I would to God that I were able to assist and protect her !" "Very handsome, then, I presume?" replied the colonel, with a sneer. " She certainly is, sir ; but it was not admiration of her beauty which occasioned the remark. If you knew her, sir, you would be as sorry to part with her, as you now appear to be to receive her." The colonel continued to pace the room, but with less THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 255 violence than before. Newton observed this, and therefore was silent, hoping that reflection Vv^ould induce him to alter his resolution. In a few minutes, apparently forgetting the presence of Nev/ton, the colonel commenced talking to himself aloud, muttering out a few detached phrases : — " Must take them in, by G— d ! Couldn't show my face — no v/here — d— d scoundrel ! Keep them here till next ship — till they are as yellow as gamboge, then send them home — revenge in that." Thus did the old gentleman mutter loud enougii for Newton to hear. A few minutes more were spent in perambulation, when he threw himself into the chair. " I think, my young acquaintance, you appear to be inte- rested for these relations of mine ; or at least for one of them." "I certainly am, sir; and so is everyone who is acquainted with her." "Well, I am glad to hear that there is one good out of the three. I have been put in a passion — no wonder ; and I have said more than should be repeated. Were it known that these girls had been sent out to me in this way, the laugh would be raised against me, as it is known that I am not very partial to women ; and it would also be of serious injury to them and their prospects. I have determined upon receiving them, for the best of all possible reasons — I can't help myself. You will, therefore, add to the obligations of this day, by saying notliing about what has been made known to you." "Mcst certainly, sir; I will pledge you my honour, if it is requested." " When I say not mention it, I mean to other parties ; but to the girls, I must request you to state the facts. I will not have them come here, pawing and fondling, and wheedling me as an old bachelor, with a few lacs of rupees to be coaxed oat of. It would make me sick ; I detest women and their ways. Now, if they are informed of the real state of the case, that they are here only on sufferance ; that I neither wished nor want them ; and that I have been imposed upon by their scoundrel of a father, I may keep them at the other end of the bungalow, and not be annoyed with their company; until, upon plea of bad health, or some other excuse, I can pay their pas- sage back again.'' "Could you not state these facts yourself, sir?" 2S6 NEWTCN FORSTER; OR, "No, I never meddle with women ; besides, it is l)cttcr thit they should know it before they come here. If you will promise me what I now request, why, I will consent to give them house- room ; if not, they may stay where they are. It will be but a few days' laugh at me, or abuse of me, I care little which.'* *' Well, sir, unpleasant as this intelligence must be, their present suspense is still more so. You will allow me to disclose it in as delicate a manner as possible." "You maybe as refined as you please, provided that you tell the exact truth, which I am convinced that you will, by your countenance." " Then, I will take my leave, sir," replied Newton. " Fare you well, my dear sir ; recollect that my house is your home ; and although not fond of the society of women, I shall be delighted with yours. The young ladies may be brought on shore to the hotel, and I will send a carriage for them. Good-bye, — What is your name ? '* "Forster, sir." ** Good-bye, then Mr. Forster, for the present;" and the colonel quitted the room. CHAPTER XXXIX. " Then there were sighs^ the deeper for suppression^ And stolen glances, siveeter for the theft. And burning blushes, though for no transgression. Tremblings when met, and restlessness when left. All these are little preludes to possession. Of which young passion cannot be bereft. And merely tend to show how greatly love is Embarrassed, at first starting, ivith a novice. — By RON. It was in no very happy frame of mind that Newton quitted the colonel's house to execute his mission to the Miss Revels. That the two eldest, provided they were admitted, would not much take to heart either the conduct of their father or the coolness of their relation, he was pretty well assured ; but he was too well acquainted with Isabel's character not to know that she would deeply feel the humiliating situation in which she was placed, and that it would prey upon her generous and THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 257 sensitive mind. As, however, there was no remedy, he almost congratulated himself that as the colonel's message was to be delivered, the commission had been placed in his trust. Captain Drawlock, tired of waiting, had escorted the young ladies on shore to the hotel, anxiously expecting the arrival of Newton, who was conducted there by a messenger despatched to intercept him. "Well, Mr. Forster, is it all right?" said Captain Drawlock, on his appearance. " The colonel's carriage will be here for the ladies in less than half an hour," replied Newton, evasively. " Then, Miss Revels, as I am extremely busy, I shall wish you good morning, and will have the pleasure of paying my respects before I sail. Allow me to offer you my best thanks for your company during our voyage, and to assure you how much your presence has contributed to enliven it. Forster, you will, of course, remain with the Miss Revels, and see them safe in the carriage;" and Captain Drawlock, who appeared to consider his responsibility over with the voyage, shook hands with them, and quitted the hotel. " Mr. Forster," said Isabel, as soon as Captain Drawlock was out of hearing, "I am sure, by your countenance, that there has been something unpleasant. Is it not so?" " I am sorry to answer in the affirmative, and more sorry to be forced to impart the cause." Newton then entered into a detail of what had passed at the colonel's house. Isabel Hstened to it with attention, her sisters with impatience. Miss Charlotte, with an air of consternation, inquired whether the colonel had refused to receive them : on being informed to the contrary, she appeared to be satisfied. Laura simpered, and observed, " How very odd of papa ; " and then seemed to think no more about it. Isabel made no observation ; she remained on her chair, apparently in deep and painful thought. A few minutes after the communication the colonel's carriage made its appearance, and Newton proposed that they should quit the hotel. Charlotte and Laura were all ready and im- patient, but Isabel remained seated by the table. ** Come, Isabel," cried Charlotte. ' ^*I cannot go, my dear Charlotte," repHed Isabel; "but do not let me prevent you or Laura from deciding for yourselves " 258 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, " Not go 1" cried the two sisters at once. Isabel was firm; and Newton, who did not think himself authorized to interfere, was a silent witness to the continued persuasions and expostu- lations of the two elder, and the refusal of the younger sister. Nearly half an hour thus passed away, when Charlotte and Laura decided that they would go, and send back the carriage for Isabel, who by that time would have come to her senses. The heartless, unthinking girls tripped gaily down to the carriage, and drove off. Newton, who had escorted them, retraced his steps, with a beating heart, to the room where he had left Isabel. She was in tears. "Do I intrude. Miss Revel?'' said Newton, who could not repress his emotion at the sight. *^ Oh, no ! I expected and wished that you would return, Mr. Forster. Do you think that you could find Captain Drawlock? I should feel much obliged if you would take that trouble f r me." " I will immediately go in search of him, if you wish it. Believe me, Miss Revel, I feel most sincerely for your situ- ation ; and, if it were not considered an impertinent question, I should ask you what may be your present intentions?" " Acquainted as you are with all the circumstances, Mr. Forster, the question is not impertinent, but kind. God knows that I require an adviser. I would, if possible, conceal the facts from Captain Drawlock. It is not for a daughter to publish a father's errors ; but you know all, and I can there- fore have no scruple in consulting with you : I do not see why I should. My resolution is, at best, a hasty one; but it is, never to enter the house of my relation under such humiliating circumstances — that is decided : but how to act, or what to do, is where I require advice. I am in a cruel situation. What a helpless creature is a woman ! Were I a man, I could have worked my passage home, or have honestly obtained my bread in this place ; but a woman — a young and unprotected woman — in a distant clime, and without a friend " " Do not say that you are without a friend ; one who has at\ least the will, if not the power to serve you," replied Newton. " No — riot without a friend ; but what avails a friend whose assistance I could not accept? It is to Captain Drawlock, THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 259 therefore, that I must apply, and, painful as it may be, throw myself upon his generosity; for that reason I wished to see him. He may advise some means by which I may obtain a passage home. I will return in any capacity — as a nurse to children, as an attendant — anything that is creditable. I would watch over the couch of fever, pestilence, and plague, for months, rather than appear to be a party to my father's duplicity. Oh ! Mr. Forster, what must you think of the daughters, after what you have heard of the parent's conduct?" and Isabel burst into tears. Newton could contain himself no longer. " My dear Miss Revel, let me persuade you to compose yourself," said he, taking her hand, which was not withdrawn. " If you feel on this occasion, so do I most deeply — most deeply, because I can only lament, and dare not offer to assist you. The means of returning to your own country I can easily procure from Captain Drawlock ; but would you accept it from me ? I know — I cannot expect that you would ; and that, under such circumstances, it would be insulting in me to offer it. Think, then, what pain I must feel to witness your distress, and yet dare not offer to assist one for whom — oh! my God " ended Newton, checking his feelings. " I feel the kindness and the delicacy of your conduct, Mr. Forster ; and I will candidly acknowledge, that, could I accept it, there is no one to whom I would more cheerfully be under an obligation ; but the world will not permit it." "What shall I do, Miss Revel? — shall I go for Captain Drawlock?" " Stay a little while ; I wish to reflect. What would you advise ? — as a friend, tell me candidly, Mr. Forster." " I am indeed proud that you allow me that title. It is all that I ever dare hope for ; but Isabel (I beg your pardon, Miss Revel, I should have said) " " Nay, nay, I am not displeased. Why not Isabel ? We have known one another long enough ; and, deserted as I feel, a kind word now ." Isabel covered her face with her hand. Newton, who was standing by her, was overcome by the intensity of his feelings ; gradually they approached nearer, until by, I suppose, the same principle which holds the universe together — the attraction of cohesion — Newton's arm encircled 26o NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, the waist of Isabel, and she sobbed upon his shoulder. It was with difficulty that Newton refrained from pouring out his soul, and expressing the ardent love which he had so long felt for her ; but it was taking advantage of her situation. He had nothing to offer but himself and beggary. He did refrain. The words were not spoken ; yet Isabel divined his thoughts, appreciated his forbearance, and loved him more for his reso- lution. ** Isabel," said Newton, at length, with a sigh, " I never valued or wished for wealth till now. Till this hour I never felt the misery of being poor." " I believe you, Mr. Forster ; and I am grateful, as I know that it is for my sake that you feel it ; but," continued she, recoverhig herself, '^ crying will do no good. I asked you for your advice, and you have only given me your arm." " I am afraid it is all I shall ever have to offer," replied Newton. " But, Isabel, allow me to ask you one question : — Are you resolved never to enter your relation's house?" '^ Not on the humiliating terms which he has proposed. Let the colonel come here for me and take me home with him, and then I will remain there until I can return to England ; if not, I will submit to any privation, to any honest humiliation, rather than enter under his roof. But, indeed, Mr. Forster, it is necessary that Captain Drawlock should be summoned. We are here alone : it is not correct : you must feel that it is not." '' I do feel that it is not ; but, Isabel, I was this morning of some trifling service to the colonel, and may have some little weight with him. Will you allow me to return to him, and try what I can do? It will not be dark for these two hours, and I will soon be back." Isabel assented. Newton hastened to the colonel, who had already been much surprised when he had been informed by his domestics (for he had not seen them) that only two ladies had arrived. The old gentleman was now cool. The expla- nation and strong persuasions of Newton, coupled with the spirited behaviour of Isabel, whose determination was made known to him, and which was so different from the general estimate he had formed of the sex, at last prevailed. The colonel ordered his carriage, and, in company with Newton, THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 25l drove to the hotel, made a sort of apology — a wonderfid effort on his part, and requested his grand-niece to accept of his hospitaUty. In a few minutes Isabel and the colonel were out of sight, and Newton was left to his own reflections. A few days afterwards Newton accepted the colonel's invi- tation to dine, when he found that affairs were going on better than he expected. The old gentleman had been severely quizzed by those who were intimate with him, at the addition to his establishment, and had winced not a little under the lash ; but, on the whole, he appeared more reconciled than would have been expected. Newton, however, observed that, when speaking of the three sisters, he invariably designated them as " my grand-niece, and the two other young women/' CHAPTER XL. ** Rich in the gems of India* s gaudy zone^ And plunder piled from kingdoms not their 07un; Degenerate trade; thy minions coidd despise Thy heart-boi'ti anguish of a thousand cries : Could lock, ivith impious hands, their teeming store^ While famish' d nations died along the shore; Could mock the groans oj felloiu men, and bear The curse of kingdoms, peopled with despair; Could stamp disgrace on man^s polluted name. And barter with their gold eternal shame, " — Campbell. Gold ! — gold ! for thee, what will man not attempt? — for thee, to what degradation will he not submit? — for thee, what will he not risk in this world, or prospectively in the next ? Industry is rewarded by thee ; enterprise is supported by thee ; crime is cherished, and heaven itself is bartered for thee, thou powerful auxiliary of the devil ! One tempter was sufficient for the fall of man ; but thou wert added, that he ne'er might rise again. Survey the empire of India ; calculate the millions of acres, the billions with which it is peopled, and then pause while you ask yourself the question — How is it that a company of mer- chants claim it as their own ? By what means did it come into their possession ? Honestly, they will reply. Honestly ! you went there as 25i MmVTON FORSTER ; OR, suppliants ; you were received with kindness and hospitality, and your request was granted, by which you obtained a foot- ing on the soil. Now you are lords of countless acres, masters of millions, who live or perish as you will ; receivers of enormous tribute. Why, how is this ? Honestly, again you say ; by treaty, by surrender, by taking from those who would have destroyed us the means of doing injury. Honestly ! say it again, that Heaven may register, and h -11 may chuckle at your barefaced, impudent assertion. No 1 by every breach of faith which could disgrace an infidel; by every act of cruelty which could disgrace our nature ; by extortion, by rapine, by injustice, by mockery of all laws human or divine. The thirst for gold, and a golden country, led you on ; and in these scorching regions you have raised the devil on his throne, and worshipped him in his proud pre- eminence as Mammon. Let us think. Is not the thirst for gold a temptation to which our natures are doomed to be subjected— part of the ordeal which we have to pass ? or why is it that there never is sufficient ? It appears to be ordained by Providence that this metal, obtained from the earth to feed the avarice of man, should again return to it. If all the precious ore which for a series of ages has been raised from the dark mine were now in tangible existence, how trifling would be its value ! how inadequate as a medium of exchange for the other productions of nature, or of art ! If all the diamonds and other precious stones which have been collected from the decomposed rocks (for hard as they once were, like all sublunary matter, they too yield to time) why, if all were remaining on the earth, the frolic gambols of the May-day sweep would shake about those gems, which now are to be found in profusion only where rank and beauty pay homage to the thrones of kings. Arts and manu- factures consume a large proportion of the treasures of the mine, and as the objects fall into decay, so does the metal return to the earth again. But it is in Eastern climes, where it is collected, that it soonest disappears. Where the despot reigns, and the knowledge of an individual's wealth is sufficient warranty to seal his doom, it is to the care of the silent earth alone that the possessor will commit his treasures j he trusts THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 263 not to relation or to friend, for gold is too powerful for human ties. It is but on his death-bed that he imparts the secret ot his deposit to those he leaves behind him ; often called away before he has time to make it known, reserving the fond secret till too late; still clinging to life, and all that makes life dear to him. Often does the communication, made from the couch of death, in half-articulated words, prove so imperfect, that the knowledge of its existence is of no avail unto his intended heirs; and thus it is that millions return again to the earth from which they have been gathered with such toil. What avarice has dug up avarice buries again ; perhaps in future ages to be regained by labour, when, from the chemical powers ot eternal and mysterious nature, they have again been filtered through the indurated earth, and reassumed the form and the appearance of the metal which has lain in darkness since the creation of the world. Is not this part of the grand principle of the universe? — the eternal cycle of reproduction and decay, pervading all and every thing — blindly contributed to by the folly and wickedness of man ! " So far shalt thou go, but no further," was the fiat: and, arrived at the prescribed limit, we must commence again. At this moment intellect has seized upon the seven-league boots of the fable, which fitted everybody who drew them on, and strides over the universe. How soon, as oil the decay of the Roman empire, may all the piles of learning which human endeavours would rear as a tower of Bnbel to scale the heavens, disappear, leaving but frag- ments to future generations, as proofs of pre-existent know- ledge ! Whether we refer to nature or to art, to knowledge or to power, to accumulation or destruction, bounds have been prescribed, which man can never pass, guarded as they are by the same unerring and unseen Power, which threw the planets from his hand, to roll mto their appointed orbits. All appears confused below, but all is clear in heaven. I have somewhere heard it said, that wherever heaven may be, those who reach it wi'l behold the mechanism of the uni- verse in its perfection. The stars now studding the firmament in such apparent confusion, will there appear in all their regularity, as worlds revolving in their several orbits, round suns which gladden them with light and heat, all in harmony, 264 NEWTOJSr FORSTER ; OR, all in beauty, rejoicing as they roll their destined course m obedience to the Almighty fiat; one vast, stupendous, and, to the limits of our present senses, incomprehensible me- chanism, perfect in all its parts, most wonderful in the whole. Nor do I doubt it : it is but reasonable to suppose it. He that hath made this world and all upon it, can have no limits to His power. I wonder whether I shall ever see it. I said just now, let us think. I had better have said, let us not think ; for thought is painful, even dangerous when carried to excess. Happy is he who thinks but little, whose ideas are so confined as not to cause the intellectual fever, wearing out the mind and body, and often threatening both with dissolu- tion. There is a happy medium of intellect, sufficient to con- vince us that all is good — sufficient to enable us to comprehend that which is revealed, without a vain endeavour to pry into the hidden; to understand the one, and lend our faith unto the other ; but when the mind would soar unto the heaven not opened to it, or dive into sealed and dark futurity, how does it return from its several expeditions? Confused, alarmed, un- happy; willing to rest, yet restless; willing to believe, yet doubting; willing to end its futile travels, yet setting forth anew. Yet, how is a superior understanding envied ! how coveted by all ! — a gift which always leads to danger, and often to perdition. Thank Heaven ! I have not been intrusted with one of those thorough-bred, snorting, champing, foaming sort of intellects, which run away with Common Sense, who is jerked from his saddle at the beginning of its wild career. Mine is a good, steady, useful hack, who trots along the highroad of life, keep- ing on his own side, and only stumbling a little now and then, when I happen to be careless, — ambitious only to arrive safely at the end of his journey, not to pass by others. Why am I no longer ambitious ? Once I was, but 'twas when I was young and fooUsh. Then methought " It were an easy leap to pluck bright honour from the pale-faced moon;" but now I am old and fat, and there is something in fat which chokes or destroys ambition. It would appear that it is re- quisite for the body to be active and springing as the mind ; and if it is not, it weighs the latter down to its own gravity. THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 2^5 Who ever heard of a fat man being ambitious ? Ceesar was a spare man ; Buonaparte was thin as long as he dimbed the ladder ; Nelson was a shadow. The Duke of Wellington has not sufficient fat in his composition to grease his own Welling- ton-boots. In short, I think my hypothesis to be fairly borne out, that fat and ambition are incompatible. It is very melancholy to be forced to acknowledge this, for I am convinced that it may be of serious injury to my works. An author with a genteel figure will always be more read than one who is corpulent. All his etherealness departs. Some young ladies may have fancied me an elegant young man, like Lytton Bulwer, full of fun and humour, concealing all my pro- found knowledge under the mask of levity, and have therefore read my books with as much delight as has been afforded by " Pelham." But the truth must be told. I am a grave, heavy man, with my finger continually laid along my temple, seldom speaking unless spoken to — and when ladies talk, I never opei my mouth ; the consequence is, that sometimes, when there is a succession of company, I do not speak for a week. More- over, I am married, with five small children ; and now all I look forward to, and all I covet, is to live in peace, and die in my bed. I wonder why I did not commence authorship before ! How true it is that a man never knows what he can do until he tries ! The fact is, I never thought that I could make a novel ; and I was thirty years old before I stumbled on the fact. What a pity ! Writing a book reminds me very much of making a passage across the Atlantic. At one moment, when the ideas flow, you have the wind aft, and away you scud, with a flowing sheet, and a rapidity which delights you : at other times, when your spirit flags, and you gnaw your pen (I have lately used iron pens, for I'm a devil of a crib-biter), it is like unto a foul wind, tack and tack, requiring a long time to get a short dis- tance. But still you do go, although but slowly ; and in both cases we must take the foul wind with the fair. If a ship were to furl her sails until the wind w^as again favourable, her voyage would be protracted to an indefinite time ; and if an author were to wait until he again felt in a humour, it would take a life to write a novel. 265 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, Whenever the wmd is foul, which it now most cerUiinly is, for I am writing anything but " Newton Forster," and which will account for this rambling, stupid chapter, made up of odds and ends, strung together like what we call "skewer pieces '' on board of a man-of-war ; when the wind is foul, as I said before, I have, however, a way of going a-head by get- ting up the steam, which I am now about to resort to — and the fuel is brandy. All on this side of the \vorld are asleep, except gamblers, housebreakers, the new police, and authors. My wife is in the arms of Morpheus — an allegorical crim, con., which we husbands are obliged to wink at ; and I am making love to the brandy-bottle, that I may stimulate my ideas, as unwilUng to be roused from their dark cells of the brain as the spirit summoned by Lochiel, who implored at each response, " Leave me, oh ! leave me to repose." Now I'll invoke them, conjure them up, like little imps, to do my bidding : — By this glass vvliich now I drain, By this spirit, which shall cheer you, As its fumes mount to my brain, From thy torpid slumbers rear you. By this head, so tired with thinking, By this hand, no longer trembling, By these lips, so fond of drinking, Let me feel that you're assembling. By thfe bottle placed before me, (Food for you, ere morrow's sun), By this second glass, T pour me, Come, you little beggars ^ come. CHAPTER XLT. ^* British sailors have a knacky Haul azvay^ yo ho, boys. Of hatiling doivn a F7-enchmaii! s jack ^Gainst any odds, you knozu, boys.^^ — Old Song. There was, I flatter myself, some little skill in the introduction of the foregoing chapter, which has played the part of chorus during the time that the Bombay Castle has proceeded on to Canton, has taken in her cargo, and is on her passage home, THE MERCHAMT SERVICE. 267 in company with fifteen other East Indlamen and several country ships, all laden with the riches of the East, and hastening to pour their treasures into the lap of their country. Millions were floating on the waters, intrusted to the skill of merchant- seamen to convey them home in safety, and to their courage to defend them from the enemy, which had long been lying in wait to intercept them. By a very unusual chance or oversight, there had been no men-of-war despatched to protect property of such enormous value. The Indian fleet had just entered the Straits of Malacca, and were sailing in open order, with a fresh breeze and smooth water. The hammocks had been stowed, the decks washed, and the awnings spread. Shoals of albicorc were darting across the bows of the different ships ; and the seamen perched upon the cat-heads and spritsail-yard, had succeeded in piercing with their harpoons many, which were immediately cut up, and in the frying-pans for breakfast. But very soon they had "other flsh to fry :" for one of the Indiamen, the Royal George^ made the signal that there were four strange sail in the S.W. "A gun from the commodore, sir," reported Newton, who was officer of the watch. " The flags are up — they are not our pennants." It was an order to four ships of the fleet to run down and examine the strange vessels. Half an hour elapsed, during which time the glasses were at every mast-head. Captain Drawlock himself, although not much given to climbing, having probably had enough of it during his long career in the service, was to be seen in the main-top. Doubts, suspicions, declarations, surmises, and positive assertions were bandied about, until they were all dispelled by the reconnoitring ships telegraphing, " a French squadron, consisting of one line-of battle ship, three frigates, and a brig.'' It was, in fact, the well-known squadron of Admiral Linois, who had scoured the Indian seas, ranging it up and down with the velocity as well as the appetite of a shark. His force consisted of the Mafciigo, of eighty guns ; the famed Belle Poule, a forty-gun frigate, which outstripped the wind ; the Semillaute, of thirty-six guns ; the Berceau, ship corvette, of twenty-two, and a Drig of sixteen. They had sailed from Batavia on purpose to intercept the China fleet, having 268 I^EIVTON POkSTER ; OR^ received intelligence that it was unprotected, and anticipating • an easy conquest, if not an immediate surrender to their overpowering force. "The recall is up on board of the commodore," said Mathews, the first-mate, to Captain Drawlock. " Very well, keep a good look-out ; he intends to fight, I'll answer for it. We must not surrender up millions to these French scoundrels without a tussle." " I should hope not," replied Mathews ; '^ but that big fellow will make a general average among our tea canisters, I expect, when we do come to the scratch. There go the flags, sir," continued Mathews, repeating the number to Captain Draw- lock, who had the signal-book in his hand. " Form line of battle in close order, and prepare for action," read Captain Drawlock from the signal-book. A cheer resounded through the fleet when the signal was made known. The ships were already near enough to each other to hear the shouting, and the confidence of others added to their own. " If we only had all English seamen on board, instead of these Lascars and Chinamen, who look so blank," observed Newton to Mathews, "I think we should show them some play." " Yes," growled Mathews ; " John Company will some day find out the truth of the old proverb, ' Penny wise and pound foolish!'" The French squadron, which had continued on the wind to leeward until they could fetch the India fleet, now tacked, and laid up directly for them. In the meantime, the English vessels were preparing for action : the clearing of their lum- bered decks was the occasion of many a coop of fowls, or pig of the true China breed, exchanging their destiny for a watery grave. Fortunately, there were no passengers. Homeward- bound China ships are not encumbered in that way, unless to astonish the metropolis with such monstrosities as the mer- maid, or as the Siamese twins, coupled by nature like two hounds (separated lately indeed by Lytton Bulwer, who has satisfactorily proved that "unity between brethren," so generally esteemed a blessing, on the contrary, is a bore). In a short time all was ready, and the India fleet continued their course under easy sail, neither courting nor avoiding the conflict. THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 269 At nightfall, the French squadron hauled to the wind ; the conduct of the China fleet rendered them cautious, and the French admiral considered it advisable to ascertain, by broad daylight, whether a portion of the English ships were not men-of-war; their cool and determined behaviour certainly warranted the suspicion. It was now to be decided whether the Indiamen should take advantage of the darkness of the night to escape, or wait the result of the ensuing day. The force opposed to them was formidable and concentrated; their own, on the contrary, was weak from division, each ship not having more than sixty English seamen on board ; the country ships none at all, the few belonging to them having volunteered on board the Indiamen. In this decision. Commodore Dance proved his judgment as well as his courage. In an attempt to escape, the fleet would separate ; and, from the well-known superior sailing of the French squadron, most of them would be overtaken, and, being attacked single-handed, fall an easy prey to the enemy. In this opinion the captains of the Indiamen, who had com- municated during the night, were unanimous, and equally so in the resolution founded upon it, " to keep together and fight to the last." The India fleet lay to for the night, keeping their lights up and the men at their quarters ; most of the English seamen sound asleep, the Lascars and Chinese sitting up in groups, expressing, in their own tongues, their fear of the approaching combat, in which, whether risked for national honour or individual property, they could have no interest. The morning broke, and discovered the French squadron about three. miles to windward. Admiral Linois had calculated that if the fleet consisted only of merchant vessels they would have profited by the darkness to have attempted to escape, and he had worked to windward during the night, that he might be all ready to pounce down upon his quarry. But when he perceived that the English ships did not attempt to increase their distance he was sadly puzzled. The French tricolour hardly had time to blow clear from their taflrails, when the English unions waved aloft in defiance; and that Admiral Linois might be more perplexed by the arrangements of the night, three of the most warlike Indiamen displayed the red ensign, while the remainder of the ships 270 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, hoisted up the blue. This ruse led the French admiral to sup- pose that these three vessels were men-of-war, composing the escort of the fleet. At nine o'clock the commodore made the signal to fill ; and the French squadron not bearing down, the India fleet con- tinued its course under easy sail. The French admiral then edged away with his squadron, with the intention of cutting off the country ships, which had been stationed to leeward ; but which, since the British fleet had hauled their wind, had been left in the rear. It was now requisite for the British com- mander to act decidedly and firmly. Captain Timmins, an oflicer for courage and conduct not surpassed by any in our naval service, who commanded the Royal George^ edged to within hail of the commodore, and recommended that the order should be given to tack in succession, bear down in a line a-head, and engage the enemy. This spirited advice was acted upon ; the Royal George leading into action, followed by the other ships in such close order that their flying jib-booms were often pointed over the taflrails of their predecessors. In a quarter of an hour was to be witnessed the unusual spectacle of a fleet of merchant ships exchanging broadsides with the best equipped and highest disciplined squadron that ever sailed from France. In less than an hour was presented the mcJre unusual sight of this squadron flying from the merchant ships, and the signal for a general chase answered with enthusiastic cheers. That Admiral Linois might have supposed, previous to the engagement, that some of the British ships were men-of-war, is probable ; but that he knew otherwise after they had com- menced action, must also have been the case. The fact was, he was frightened at their determined courage and their decided conduct ; and he fled, not from the guns, but from the 7nen, I do not know on record any greater instance of heroism on the part of British seamen ; and I am delighted that Newton Forster was in the conflict, or of course I could not have introduced it in this work. And now, those v/ho read for amusement may, if they please, skip over the next chapter. There are points connected THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 271 with the India service which I intend to comment upon ; and as all the wisdom of the age is confined to novels, and nobody reads pamphlets, I introduce them here. When one man is empowered to hold in check, and to insist upon the obedience of a large proportion of his fellows, it can only be by ^' opinion " that his authority can be -supported. By " opinion " I mean the knowledge that he is so em- powered by the laws of the country to which they all belong, and by which laws they will be punished, if they act in oppo- sition to his authority. The fiat of the individual commanding is in this case the fiat of the nation at large ; to contend with this fiat is not contending with the individual, but with the nation, to whose laws they must submit, or to return to their country no more. A commander of a vessel, therefore, armed with martial law, is, in fact, representing and executing, not his own will, but that of the nation who have made the law ; for he is amenable, as well as his inferiors, if he acts contrary to, or misuses it. In the merchant service martial law is not permitted ; the bye-laws relative to shipping, and the common law of the country, are supposed to be sufficient ; and certainly the pre- sent system is more advisable than to vest such excessive power in the hands of men, who, generally speaking, neither require nor are fit to be entrusted with it. Where, as in the greater number of merchant vessels, the master and his sub- ordinate officers compose one-third, if not one-half of the complement on board, nothing but the most flagrant conduct is likely to produce insubordination. But in the East India service the case is different. The vessels themselves are of dimensions equal, if not superior, to our largest class of frigates, and they carry from thirty to forty guns; the property embarked in them is also of such an extent, that the loss almost becomes national : their com- manders are men of superior attainments, as gentlemen and as officers; finally, the complement of seamen under their command is larger than on board of many of the king's ships. The above considerations will at once establish that those bye-laws which afford protection to the well-governing of the merchant service in general, are not sufficient to maintain the necessary discipline on board of the East India ships. The 272 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, greater the disproportion between the unit who commands and the numbers who obey, the greater the chance of mutiny. Sedition is the progeny of assembly. Even where grievances may be real, if there is no contact and no discussion, there will be no insubordination; but imaginary grievances, can- vassed and discussed in assembly, swell into disaffection and mutiny. When, therefore, numbers are collected together, as in the vessels of the East India service, martial law becomes indispensable ; and the proof of it is, that the commanders ot these vessels have been forced to exercise it upon their own responsibihty. A letter of marque should be granted to all vessels carrying a certain number of men, empowering the commanders, under certain sureties and penalties, to exercise this power. It would be a boon to the East India ships, and ultimately a benefit to the navy. To proceed. The merchant ships of the Company are men-of-war ; the men-of-war of the Company are — what shall I call them ? By their right names — they are all Bo7nhay Marine: but let me at once assert, in applying their own name to them as a reproach, that the officers commanding them are not included in the stigma. I have served with them, and have pleasure in stating that, taking the average, the vessels are as well officered as those in our own service ; but let us describe the vessels and their crews. Most of the vessels are smaller in scantling than the run down (and con- stantly going down) ten-gun brigs in our own service, built for a light draft of water (as they were originally intended to act against the pirates, which occasionally infest the Indian seas), and unfit to contend with anything like a heavy sea. Many of them are pierced for, and actually carry fourteen or sixteen guns ; but, as effective fighting vessels, ought not to have been pierced for more than eight. I have no hesitation in asserting that an English cutter is a match for any of them, and a French privateer has, before now, proved that she was superior. The crews are composed of a small proportion of English seamen, a small proportion of Portuguese sea-cunnies, a proportion of Lascars, and a proportion of Hindoo Bombay marines. It requires two or three languages to carry on the duty ; customs, rehgions, provisions, all different, and all living and messing separate. How is it possible that any officer can discipline a THE MERCHANT SER ViCE. 273 ship's company of this incongruous description, so as to make them "pull together? " In short, the vessels and the crews are equally contemptible, and the officers, in cases of difficulty, must be sacrificed to the pride and meanness of the Company. My reason for taking notice of the " Bombay Marine " arises from an order lately promulgated, in which the officers of this service were to take rank and precedence with those of the navy. Now, as far as the officers themselves are concerned, so far from having any objection to it, I wish, for their own merits and the good-will that I bear them, that they were in- corporated into our navy-list ; but as long as they command vessels of the above description, in the event of a war, I will put a case, to prove the absurdity and danger which may result. There is not one vessel at this present time in their service which would not be sunk by one well-directed broad- side from a large frigate ; yet, as many of their officers are of long standing, it is very probable that a squadron of English frigates may fall in with one of these vessels, the captain of which would be authorized by his seniority to take the com- mand of the whole of them. We will suppose that this squadron falls in with the enemy, of equal or superior force ; can the officer in command lead on the attack ? If so, he will be sent down by the first broadside. If he does not, from whom are the orders to proceed during the action? The consequences would be as injurious as the arrangement is ridiculous. The charter of the East India Company will soon expire ; and if it is to be renewed, the country ought to have some indemnification for the three millions which this colony or conquest (which you please) annually draws from it. Now there is one point which deserves consideration : the con- stitutional protection of all property is by the nation, and as a naval force is required in India, that force should be supplied by the armaments of the nation, at the expense of the Com- pany. I have already proved that the Bombay Marine is a useless and incompetent service : let it be abolished altogether, and men-of-war be sent out to supply their place. It is most important that our navy should be employed in time of peace, and our officers gain that practical knowledge without which the theoretical is useless. Was this insisted upon, a consider- T 274 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, able force would be actively employed, at no expense to tbe country, and many officers become valuable, who now are remaining inactive, and forgetting what previous knowledge they may have acquired of their nautical duties. At the same time, every East India ship should be com- pelled to take on board her whole complement of English seamen, and not be half manned by Lascars and Chinamen. But I presume I must be careful how I attempt to legislate for that country, or 1 shall have two tame elephants sent after me by the man what puts his hair in papers ! CHAPTER XLII. ** What singular emotions fih Their bosoms, ivho have been induced to roamy With flattering doubts, if all be well or ill. With love for many, and zvith [cars for some ! " Byron. The China fleet arrived without encountering any further danger ; the commodore and commanders of the several ships composing the fleet received that praise from their countrymen to vv^hich their conduct had so fully entitled them. As soon as the Bombay Castle had entered the basin of the East India docks, Newton requested, and easily obtained, permission to leave the ship. He immediately directed his steps to Green- wich, that he might ascertain if his father was in existence ; for he had received no letters since his departure, although he had taken several opportunities to write. It is true that he had not expected any ; he knew that his father was too absent ever to think about writing to him, and his uncle much too busy to throw away any portion of his time in unnecessary cor- respondence. When we approach the dwelling containing, or supposed to contain, an object of solicitude, of whose existence we are uncertain, what a thrill of anxiety pervades the frame ! How quickened is the throbbing of the heart ! how checked the respiration ! Thus it was with Newton Forster as he raised his hand to the latch of the door. He opened it, and the first object which delighted his eyes was his father seated upon a THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 275 high stool smoking his pipe, in the company of two veterans of the hospital, who had brought their old bones to an anchor upon a large trunk. They were in earnest conversation, and did not perceive the company of Newton, who waited a little while, holding the door ajar, as he contemplated the group. One of the pensioners was speaking, and continued: — " May be, or may not be, Mr. Forster, that's diibersome; but if so be as how he is alive, why you'll see him soon, thaf s sartain — take my word for it. A good son, as you say he was, as soon as he can get over the side of the ship, always bears up for his parent's house. With the help of your barnacles, I worked my way clean through the whole yarn, and I seed the report of killed and wounded ; and I'll take my affidavy that there warn't an officer in the fleet as lost the number of his mess in that action, and a most clipping affair it was ; only think of moun- seer turning tail to marchant vessels ! Damn my old buttons ! what will our jolly fellows do next?" " Next, Bill ! why there be nothing to do, 'less they shave off the beard of the grand Turk to make a swab for the cabin of the king's yacht, and sarve out his seven hundred wives amongst the fleet. I say, I wonder how he keeps so many of them craft in good order ? " " I knows," replied the other, " for I axed the very question when I was up the Dardanelles. There be a big black fellow, a unique they calls him, with a large sword and a bag of sawdust, as always stands sentry at the door, and if so be a woman kicks up a bobbery, why plump her head goes into the bag." " Well, that's one way to make a good woman on her ; but as I was saying, Mr. Forster, you mustn't be down in the mouth; a seaman as knows his duty, never cares for leave till all the work be done. I'd bet a yard of pigtail that Mr. Newton ^" " Is here, my good fellow ! " interrupted Newton. " My dear father!" Nicholas sprang off his seat and embraced his son. " My dear, dear boy! why did you not come to me before ? I was afraid that you had been killed. Well, I'm glad to see you, Newton. How did you like the West Indies ? " " The East Hinges, you mean, Mr. Forster. — Newton," con- tmued the old pensioner, wiping both sides of his hand upon his 576 NEWTON PORSTER; OR, blue breeches, and then extending it — " Tip its your daddle, my lad ; I like to touch the flipper of one who has helped to shame the enemy, and it will be no disgrace for you to grapple with an old seaman, who did his duty as long as he had a pin to stand upon/' " With pleasure, my friend," replied Newton, taking the old man's hand, while the other veteran seized the one unoccupied, and, surveying Newton from top to toe, observed, " If your ship be manned with all such lads as you — why, she be damned well manned, that's all." Newton laughed and turned to his father. " Well, father, how are you ? — have you been quite well ? And how do you like your berth here ? " " Why, Newton, I get on much better than I did at Bristol.*' "It be Liverpool he mean, Mr. Newton; but your good father be a little damaged in his upper works ; his memory- box is like a sieve. — Come, Bill, we be two too many. When father and son meet after a India voyage, there be much to say as wants no listeners. — Good-bye, Mr. Forster ; may you never want a son, and may he never want a ship ! " Newton smiled his thanks to the considerate old pensioners, as they stumped out of the door, and left him alone with his father. The communications of Nicholas were as concise as usual. He liked his situation, liked his company, had as much work as he wished for, and had enjoyed good health. When Newton entered upon pecuniary matters, which he was the sooner induced to do by observing that his father's coat and smallclothes were in a most ruinous condition, he discovered, that though the old gentleman had provided himself with money from the bankers, during the first year, to purchase a new suit of clothes, latterly he not only had quite forgotten that there were funds at his disposal, but even that he had pro- cured the clothes, which had remained in the chest from the day they had been sent home without having been tried on. " Dear me ! now I recollect, so I did ; and I put them up- stairs somewhere. I was busy at the time with my improve- ment on the duplex." " Have you seen much of my uncle, sir ? " inquired Newton. " Your uncle ! — dear me, no ! I don't know where he lives ; so I waited until you came back. We'll go to-morrow, New- THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 277 ton, or he riiay think me unkind. I'll see if his watch goes well; I recollect he said it did. But, Newton, tell me all about your voyage, and the action with the French ships." Newton entered into a detail, during which he perceived by his father's questions that his memory had become more im- paired, and that he was more absent than ever. He arranged to call upon his uncle the ensuing day ; and then it was his intention, without communicating it to his father, to make every inquiry and advertise to ascertain the fate of his mother. This was a duty which he had long wished to repeat ; but his necessities and want of time had hitherto prevented the re- newal of the task. Early the next morning, Newton and his father went up to London by the Greenwich coach ; and a walk of a few minutes after they were put down, brought them to the chambers of Mr. John Forster. "How do you do, Mr. Scratton? Is my uncle at home?" inquired Mr. Newton. Mr. Scratton immediately recognised him, and very graciously replied, that his uncle was at home and would be very glad to see him, having talked very often of him lately. Newton and his father were ushered into the parlour, where he found his uncle precisely in the same position as when he last saw him ; — it would almost have appeared that he had not quitted his seat during Newton's tedious voyage. " Nephev/," said Mr. John Forster, without rising from his chair, "I am very glad to see you. — Brother Nicholas, I am very glad to see you too. — Chairs, Scratton," continued the old lawyer, taking his watch off the table, and placing it in his fob. "Well, nephew, I am very glad to hear such good accounts of you. I saw Mr. Bosanquet yesterday, and he told me that you had for your good conduct been promoted to the rank of second-mate." "It is more than I am aware of," replied Newton, much pleased with the information. " 1 am much obliged to you for the mtelligence, as I am for your many other acts of kind- ness." "Well, so you ought to be; it's no bad thing, as I told you before, to find out an uncle. By-the-bye, there has been some alteration in my establishment since we parted^ nephew. I 273 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, have a house in Lincohi's Inn Fields, and a spare bed, if you will accept of it. We dine at six ; brother Nicholas, I shall be very happy to see you, if you can stay. It will be too late to go home after dinner, but you can share my nephew's bed." " I shall be most happy to accept your kind offer for a few days, sir, if it does not incommode you,'' replied Newton. " No ; you will not incommode me there^ but you do very much //^;r, where I am always busy. So good-bye, my boy ; I shall be at home at six. Brother Nicholas, you did not vouch- safe me an answer.'' " About what, brother John ? " replied Nicholas, who had been in the clouds. " Oh, I'll tell you all about it, father," said Newton, laugh- ing. *' Come away now — my uncle is busy." And Nicholas rose up, with the observation — " Brother John, you. appear to me to read a great deal." "Yes, I do, brother." " How much do you read a day ? " " I really cannot say; much depends upon whether I am interrupted or not." " It must be very bad for your eyes, brother John." " It certainly does not improve them," replied the lawyer, impatiently. " Come, father, my uncle is very busy," said Newton, touch- ing Nicholas on the arm. "Well, good-bye, brother John. I had something to say — oh ! I hope you are not displeased at my not coming to see you before ? '' " Humph ! not in the least, I can assure you, brother Nicholas ; so good-bye. Newton, you'll bring him with you at six," said Mr. John Forster ; and he resumed his brief before they had quitted the room. Newton was much surprised to hear that his uncle had taken a house, and he surmised whether he had not also been induced to take a wife. He felt an inclination to put the question to Mr. Scratton, as he passed through the office ; but checked the wish, lest it should appear like prying into his uncle's affairs. Being the month of February, it was dark long before six o'clock, and Newton was puzzled what to do with his father THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 279 until that time. He returned to the Salopian Coffee-house, opposite to which they had been put dov/n by the Greenwich coach ; and taking possession of a box, called for some biscuits and a pint of sherry ; and requesting his father to stay there until his return, went out to purchase a sextant, and some other nautical luxuries, which his pay enabled him to procure without trespassing upon the funds supplied by the generosity of his uncle. He then returned to his father, who had finished the wine and biscuits, and had his eyes fixed upon the ceiling of the room ; and calling a hackney coach, drove to the direction which his uncle had pointed out as his residence. Mr. John Forster had already come home, and they found him in the dining-room, decanting the wine for dinner, with Amber by his side. Newton was surprised at the appearance of a little girl ; and, as he took her proffered hand, inquired her name. " Amber. Papa says it's a very foolish name ; don't you, papa?" " Yes, my dear, I do ; but now we are going to dinner, and you must go to Mrs. Smith : so good-night.'' Amber kissed the old lawyer, as he stooped to her; and wishing the company good-night, she left the room. "Brother John," said Nicholas, "I really had no idea that you were a married man." " Humph ! I am not a married man, brother." " Then pray, brother, how is it possible for that little girl to be your daughter ? " " I did not say she was my daughter : but now we will go upstairs into the drawing-room, while they put the dinner on the table." The dinner was soon announced ; the cookery was plain, but good, the wine excellent. When the dessert was placed on the table, Mr. John Forster rose, and taking two bottles of port wine from the sideboard, placed them on the table, and addressed Newton. "Nephew, I have no time to sip wine, although it is neces- sary that I drink it. Now, we must drink fast, as I have only ten minutes to spare ; not that I wish you to drink more than you like, but I must push the bottle round, whether you fill or PLO, as I have an appointment, what we call a consultation, at 28o NFAVTON rORSTER; OR, my chambers. Pass the bottle, brother/' continued the lawyer, helping himself, and shoving the decanter to Nicholas. Nicholas, who had been little accustomed to wine, obeyed mechanically, swallowing down each glass ct gorge deployee^ as he was awoke from his meditations by the return of the bottle, and then filling up his glass again. Newton, who could take his allowance as well as most people, could not, however, venture to drink glass for glass with his uncle, and the bottle was passed several times without his filling. When the ten minutes had elapsed, Mr. John Forster took his watch from the table, replaced it in his fob, and rose from his chair. Locking up the remainder of the wine, he quitted the house without apology, leaving his guests to entertain themselves, and order tea when they felt inclined. " My brother seems to be very busy, Newton,'^ observed Nicholas. " What wine was that we have been drinking ? It was very strong ; I declare my head turns round :" and in a few moments more Nicholas dropped his head upon the table, and was fast asleep. Newton, who perceived that his father was affected by the wine which he had been drinking, which was, in the sum total, a pint of sherry at the coffee-house before dinner, and at least a bottle during and after his meal, thought it better that he should be allowed to take his nap. He therefore put out the candles, and went up into the drawing-room, where he amused himself with a book until the clock struck twelve. According to the regulations of the house, the servants had retired to bed, leaving a light in the passage for their master on his return, which sometimes was at a very late hour, or rather, it should be said, at a very early one. Newton lighted a chamber- candlestick, and went down into the parlour to rouse his father ; but all his attempts were in vain. The wine had taken such an effect upon him, that he was in a state of lethargy. New- ton observed that the servant had cleared the table, and that the fire was out : and, as there was no help for it, he removed the chairs to the end of the room, that his father might not tumble over them if he awoke in the dark, and then retired to his own bed. THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 28l CHAPTER XLIII. * * A ngels and ministers of grace defend us I Be thy intents wicked or charitable, ^ lyiou conCst in such a questionable shape That I will speak to Z/^^'^."— Shakspeare. It was past two o'clock when Mr. John Forster returned from his chambers, and let himself in with a pass-key. Having secured the street-door, the old gentleman lighted his candle from the lamp, which he blew out, and had his foot upon the first step of the stairs, when he was startled by a loud snore from Nicholas in the dining-room ; he immediately proceeded there, and found his brother, with his head still lying on the table. " Humph ! " ejaculated the lawyer. " Why, brother Nicholas, brother Nicholas !" Nicholas, who had nearly slept off the effects of the wine, answered with an unintelligible sort of growling. ** Brother Nicholas, I say, — brother Nicholas, — will you get up, or lie here all night ? " '* They shall be cleaned and ready by to-morrow morning," replied Nicholas, dreaming. " Humph ! that's more than you will be, apparently, — I say, brother Nicholas." ** Yes, brother," replied Nicholas, raising his head and staring at the candle. " Why, what's the matter ? " "The matter is, that I wish to go to bed, and wish to see you in bed before I go myself." " Yes, brother John, if you please, certainly. Where's my bed ? I do believe I have been asleep." *^ Humph ! I have no doubt upon the subject," replied John Forster, lighting another candle. " Come this way, brother Nicholas," and they both ascended the stairs. When Mr. John Forster arrived at the door of his own room, on the first story, he stopped. " Now, brother Nicholas, are you quite awake ? Do you think that I may trust you with a candle? " " I should hope so," replied Nicholas ; " I see thr.t it is silver, but I hope I'm honest, brother John." 282 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, " Humph ! I mean, can I trust you to put it out ? " " Yes, I think that you may. Pray, which is my room ? " " The first door on the left, when you are at the top of the stairs." " The first door." *' Yes, the first on the left ; do you understand ? " " Yes, brother, I do ; the first door on the left." *^ Very well ] then I wish you a good-night." " Good-night, brother," replied Nicholas, ascending the stairs as John Forster entered his room. Nicholas arrived at the head of the stairs; but his brain was not very clear. He muttered to himself " I think I^m right — yes, I'm right — the first door — to the right — yes — that's it ; " and instead of the room to the left, where Newton was, he walked into the one to the right, which appertained to the housekeeper, Mrs. Smith. The old lady was fast asleep. Nicholas threw off his clothes, put out his candle, and stepped into bed without waking the old lady, whom he supposed to be his son, and in a few minutes they snored in concert. The morning dawned. The watchmen (London nightin- gales) ceased their notes and retired to their beds. The chimney-sweeps (larks of the metropolis) raised their shrill cry as they paced along with chattering teeth. House-maids and kitchen-maids presented their back views to the early passen- gers as they washed off the accumulation of the previous day from the steps of the front door. *^ Milk below" (certainly much below "proof") was answered by the ascent of the busy cooks, when a knock at the door of Mrs. Smith's room from the red knuckles of the housemaid, awoke her to a sense of her equivocal situation. At her first discovery that a man was in her bed, she uttered a scream of horror, throwing herself upon her knees, and extending her hands before her in her amazement. The scream awoke Nicholas, who, astonished at the sight, and his modesty equally outraged, also threw himself in the same posture, facing her, and recoiling. Each looked aghast at each : each consi- dered the other as the lawless invader \ but before a word of ex- planation could pass betvv^een them, their countenances changed from horror to surprise, from surprise to anxiety and doubt. THE MERCHANT SEE VICE, 283 " Why," screamed the housekeeper, losing her breath with astonishment. " It is ! " cried Nicholas, retreating further. " Yes — yes — it is — my dear Nicholas ! " " No — it can't be," replied Nicholas, hearing the fond appel- lation. " It is — oh ! yes — it is your poor unhappy wife, who begs your pardon, Nicholas," cried the housekeeper, bursting into tears, and falling into his arms. *' My dear — dear wife ! " exclaimed Nicholas, as he threw his arms around her, and each sobbed upon the other's shoulder. In this position they remained a minute, when Mr. John Forster, who heard the scream and subsequent exclamations, and had taken it for granted that his brother had been guilty of some contretemps^ first wiped the remaining lather from his half- shaved chin, and then ascended to the housekeeper's room, from whence the noise had proceeded. When he opened the door, he found them in the position we have described, both kneeling in the centre of the bed embracing and sobbing. They were so wrapt in each other, that they did not per- ceive his entrance. Mr. John Forster stared with amazement for a few seconds, and thus growled out : — " Why, what are you tv/o old fools about ? " ** It's my husband, sir," — " It's my wife, brother John," cried they, both at once, as the tears coursed down their cheeks. " Humph ! " ejaculated the lawyer, and he quitted the room. We must let the reader imagine the various explanations which took place between Nicholas and his truly reformed wife, Newton and his uncle. Amber, and everybody in the household, while we narrate the events which had brought about this singular denoiLement. The reader may recollect that we left Mrs. Forster in the lunatic asylum, slowly recovering from an attack of brain-fever, which had been attended with a relapse. For many weeks she continued in a state of great feebleness, and during that time, when in the garden, in company with other denizens of this melancholy abode (wishing to be usefully employed), she greatly assisted the keepers in restraining them, and, in a short 284 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, lime, established that superiority over them which is invariably the result of a sane intellect. This was soon perceived by Doctor Beddington, who (aware of her destitute condition) offered her a situation as nurse in the establishment, until the inspecting magistrates should make their appearance, with the promise that she might continue in it afterwards, if she thought proper. This proposal w^as accepted by Mrs. Forster, until she might resolve what course to take, and she soon became a most invaluable person in the establishment, effecting more by lenient and kind treatment than the keepers were able to do by their violence. So completely changed was Mrs. Forster in disposition, that so far from feeling any resentment against those who had been the means of her confinement, she acknowledged to herself that her own conduct had been the occasion of her misfortune, and that those who had contributed to open her eyes to her former insanity, were her best friends. She was humbled, and unhappy ; but she kissed the rod. All that she now wished was to find out her husband, and by her future conduct to make reparation for the past. One of the gaolers, at her request, made every inquiry as to the part of England to which Nicholas had removed ; but it was without success. All trace was lost ; and Mrs. Forster accepted the situation of nurse, until she might be enabled to prosecute her search, or obtain the intelligence which she desired. For nine months Mrs. Forster remained on the establish- ment, during which time she had saved a sum of money sufficient for her support and travelling expenses. She then resolved to search after her husband, whose pardon for her previous conduct seemed to be the sine qua non for which she continued to exist. She took leave of the doctor; and, strange to say, it was with feelings of regret that she quitted an abode, once a source of horror and disgust : but time reconciles us to everything, and she made a half promise to Dr. Beddington, that if she could not hear any tidings of her husband, or should discover that he was no more, she would return to the situation. Mrs. Forster directed her course to London ; why, or where- fore, she hardly knew ; but she had imbibed the idea that the metropolis was the most likely place to meet with him. Her first inquiries were about any famifies of the name of Forster ; THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 2S5 but the Directory gave such an enormous list of Forsters, of all trades and callings, and in every situation in life, that she closed it with despair. She had a faint recollection that her husband (who was not very communicative, and least of all to her) had stated that he had a brother alive somewhere ; but this was all that she knew. Nevertheless, she set about her task in good earnest, and called upon every one of the name in the middling classes of life, to ascertain if they were relations of her husband. There were many in high life whose names and addresses she had obtained from the Red-book ; but to them she dared not apply. All she could do was to question the servants ; but every answer was unsatisfactory ; and Mrs. Forster, whose money was nearly expended, had serious thoughts of returning to the lunatic estabUshment, when the advertisement in the newspapers, of Mr. Scratton, for a housekeeper, which Mr. John Forster had desired him to procure, met her eye. Unwilling to leave London, she applied for, and obtained the situation, having received an excellent character from Doctor Beddington, to whom she had written and explained her views. Her heart leapt when she discovered that her master's name was Forster : and when she first saw him she could not but persuade herself that there was a family likeness. The germs of hope were, however, soon withered, when Amber, in answer to her inquiries, stated that Mr. Forster had a brother lately dead, who had never been married, and that she never heard of his having another. Her fellow-servants were all as strange as herself, and Mrs. Forster (who had assumed the name of Smith) was obliged to have recourse to the patience and resignation which had been so severely inculcated. The charge of Amber soon proved a source of delight ; the con- trol which she had over the household a source of gratification (not, as before, for the pleasure of domineering, but for the sake of exercising kindness and forbearance), and Mrs. Forster was happy and resigned. It may be surmised as strange, that during the period which she remained in this capacity, she had never heard mention of her husband or her son ; but it must be remembered that Nicholas had never called upon his brother, and that Newton was in the East Indies ; and, moreover, that Mr. John Forster 286 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, was just as little inclined to be communicative as her Husband. Indeed, he never came in contact with his housekeeper, except to pay the bills, which was regularly once a month, when he called her down after dinner; and after the accounts were settled, offered her a glass of wine, as a proof of his being satisfied with her conduct. When Newton and his father arrived at the chambers on the day before the discovery, and were invited to dinner, his note of communication was as laconic as usual. " Mrs. Smith, — I have invited two gentlemen to dine with me to-day, six precisely. u ^^^^ Forster. " P.S. — Let the spare bed be ready.'' Mrs. Forster prepared everything as directed ; and having done her duties below, retired to her room, where she usually sat with Amber. She did not therefore see the parties when they entered ; and Amber, who had run down to meet her protector, heard nothing during her short stay in the room, to suppose that they were relatives of Mr. John Forster. All that she had to communicate was, that the parties were an elderly gentleman and a very handsome young man. Yet even this simple communication caused the pulse of Mrs. Forster to accelerate. They might be her husband and her son. It was the first time the spare bed had been ordered. Reflection, however, convinced her that her hopes were strung upon too slight a thread ; and, musing on the improbability of not having ascertained during a year the fact of her master having so near a relative — moreover, her son was not in exist- tence — she sighed, and dismissed the idea as ridiculous. Before the gentlemen had finished their wine. Amber was in bed, and Mrs. Forster invariably sat at the side of it until her own hour of repose had arrived. A certain indefinable curiosity still remained lurking ; yet, as she could not gratify it without in- trusion (if the strangers were still up), she retired to bed, with the reflection that all her doubts would be relieved in the morning ; and, after lying awake for some hours in a state ot suspense, she at last fell into that sound sleep which is usually produced by previous excitement. How she was awakened from it, the reader has been already informed. **It's rather awkward, Newton," said Mr. John Forster, about THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 287 ten days afterwards. " I cannot do without your mother, that's certain ; but what am I to do with your father ? Humph ! Well, she must take charge of him as w^ell as Amber. She must teach him " "Teach him what, sir?" replied Newton, laughing. " Teach him what ? Why, to leave my watch and spectacles alone. I dare not lay them down for a moment." " I think we may teach him that, sir, if it is all you require." *' I ask no more : then he may go about the house like a tam^e rabbit. When will your ship be ready, boy?" " In about a fortnight, sir. I called upon Captain Oughton the day before yesterday, but he was not at home. His steward gave me the information." " What is the name of the ship ?" "The Windsor Castle, sir." "Why, all the India ships appear to be called Castles. Your last ship was called the Bombay Castle, I think?" " Yes, sir : there are a great many of them so named — they really are floating castles." "And full of ladies. You ^castle your queens, as they do at ch-ess.' Humph ! " A pun from Mr. John Forster w^as a rarity : he never had been known to make one before : and Newton asserts that he never heard him guilty of it afterwards. It deserves, therefore, bad as it was, to be recorded. CHAPTER XLIV. ** t)ut to stick to my route * Twill be /laj'd, if some novelty canU be struck out. Is there fto Algerine, no Kavischatkaii arrived? N'o plenipo-pacha^ three- tail' J and three wived? No Russian^ whose dissonant^ consonant name Almost 7'attUs to fragments the trumpet of fame? POSTSCRIPT. By-the-bye^ have you found any friend who can construe IViat Latin account^ f other day^ of a monster ? If we can't get a Russian — and that story in Latin Be not too itnproper^ I think Til bring that in.'^ — MooRE. A FEV/ mornings after this colloquy with his uncle, Newton was very busy perambulating the streets of London, in search of 2S8 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, various requisites for his trip to India, when his hand waa seized before he had time to call to mind the features of the party who shook it with such apparent warmth. " My dear Mr. Forster, I am so delighted to see you, so happy to hear of your gallant adventure with the French squadron. Mrs. Plausible will be quite pleased at meeting her old shipmate ; she often talks about you. I must make sure of you,'' continued the doctor, drawing from his pocket a large packet of cards, and inserting, at the top of one of them, Newton Forster's name with his pencil. " This is an invitation to our conversazione of to-morrow night, which you must do us the honour to accept. We shall have all the scientific men of the day, and a very pretty sprinkling of nobility, if not some- thing more. However, you will see. Shall I tell Mrs. Plausible that you will come, or will you disappoint her?" "Why,'' repHed Newton, "if I possibly can I will. I presume the hour is not very precise ?" " O no, from nine until two or three ; but if you v/Ish to see great people, about eleven is the exact time." " Well, then," replied Newton, " the time which suits great people also suits me. I hope Mrs. Plausible is quite well." " Quite well, I thank you. Good-bye ; " and Dr. Plausible hurried off so quickly, that Newton was induced to look after him, to ascertain what could induce such precipitation. He perceived Dr. Plausible shaking hands warmly with another gentleman, and after a few seconds the packet of cards was again pulled out of his pocket, and the pencil in requisition. It will be necessary to go back a little, to acquaint the reader with what had occurred since the acceptation of Dr. Plausible by Miss Tavistock, when they were on board of the Bombay Castle. On their arrival at Madras, Miss Tavistock's early and dearest friend, who resided in the up-country, had commissioned an acquaintance to receive Miss Tavistock until they could make arrangements for her journey to the interior. By this female acquaintance Miss Tavistock was kindly welcomed, and received into her house ; but Miss Tavistock's prospects having altered, so had all her devoted attachment to the friend of her early years. She wrote, announcing her intended change of condi- tion, and regretting that Dr. Plausible's affairs, requiring his immediate presence in England, would prevent her having the 7 HE MERCHANT SER VICE. 289 delight of embracing one, who was so entwined round her heart. The letter was nevertheless very cold, and Miss Tavistock was very much abused by her dearest friend, who, disappointed in her expectations, did not condescend an answer. In a week Miss Tavistock was united to Dr. Plausible; and in less than a fortnight afterwards they were on their passage home. Dr. Plausible found that his wife's report of her circumstances was correct, and that now he had the means of keeping his carriage and of seeing company in moderation. Shortly after their return, Dr. Plausible took the lease of a house in a betwixt and . between fashionable street, and not wishing to remain idle, attempted to get into practice as an accoucheur ; for although the fortune brought by his wife was considerable, still, to keep his carriage in London, he was obliged " to sail nearer to the wind '^ in other points than he found agreeable : moreover he was ambitious. A night-bell, with "night-bell" in capital letters over it, that people might be aware in the broad day that it was a night-bell, which of course they could not read in the dark, was attached to one side of the street door. It was as loud as an alarm-bell, and when rung, was to be heard from No. 1 2 to 44, in the street where Dr. Plausible resided. There are little secrets in all trades ; and one is, how to obtain practice as a medical man, which whole mystery consists in making people believe that you have a great deal. When this is credited, practice immediately follows ; and Dr. Plausible was aware of the fact. At first setting off, the carriage drew up to the door occasionally, and stood there for some time, when the doctor made his appearance, and stepped in. He then took a round of about three hours through every fashionable part of the town, sitting well forward, that everybody might see him, apparently examining his visiting-book. At times he would pull up at some distinguished person's door, where were two or three carriages before him, and getting out, would go in to the porter to ask some frivolous question. Another ruse was, to hammer at some titled mansion, and inquire for another titled person, by mistake. This occupied the morning ; after which Doctor Plausible returned home. During the first month the night-bell was rung two or three times a week by the watchman, who was feed for his trouble; but after that period it increased its duties, until it was in motion once, if not twice, every night, u 290 NEWTON FORSTER; Ok, and his disturbed neighbours wished Doctor Plausible and his extensive practice at the devil. The carriage also was now rattled to the door in a hurry, and Doctor Plausible was seen to enter with his case of instruments, and drive off with rapidity, sometimes twice a day. In the meantime, Mrs. Plausible did her part, as she extended her acquaintance with her neighbours. She constantly railed against a medical husband ; declared that Doctor Plausible was never at home, and it was impossible to say at what hour they might dine. The tables also were strewed with the cards of great and fashionable people, obtained by Doctor Plausible from a celebrated engraver's shop, by a douceur to the shopman, when the master was absent. At last, Doctor Plausible's instruments were used in good earnest; and, although not known or even heard of in the fashionable world, he was sent for by the would-be-fashionables, because they imagined that he was employed by their betters. Now it so happened that in the same street there lived another medical man, almost a prototype of Doctor Plausible, only not quite so well off in the world. His name was Doctor Feasible. His practice was not extensive, and he was encumbered with a wife and large family. He also very naturally wished to extend his practice and his reputation ; and, after many fruitless attempts, he at last hit upon a scheme which he thought promised to be successful. " My dear," said he, one morning to his wife, " I am thinking of getting up a conversazione^ "A conversazione^ my love ; — why, is not that a very expensive affair?" " Why, not very. But if it brings me practice, it will be money well laid out." " Yes, my love, if it does, and if we have the money to lay out." " Something must be done. I have hardly a patient left. I have an idea that it will succeed. Go, my dear, and make up this prescription, and let the boy take it to Mrs. Bluestone's. I wish I had a couple of dozen patients like her. I write her prescriptions, take my fee, and then, that I may be sure that it is properly made up, I volunteer to take it to the chemist's myself" ' "Pray, what is the complaint of Mrs. Bluestone, my love?'* THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 29* ''Nothing; she over-eats herself— that's all— Abemethy would cure her in twenty-four hours.'' ** Well, but, my love, about this conversazione V " Go and make up the prescription, my dear," and we'll talk the matter over afterAvards." They did so. A list of the people they were acquainted with was drawn out, the expense calculated, and the affair settled. The first point to be considered was the size of the cards. " These, my love," said Mrs. Feasible, who came in from a long walk, with her bonnet still on, '' these are three shillings and sixpence a hundred ; and these, which are a size larger, are four-and-sixpence. Which do you think we ought to have?'' " Why, really, my dear, when one sends out so many, I do not see why we should incur unnecessary expense. The three-and-sixpenny ones are quite large enough." " And the engraving will be fourteen shillings." "Well, that will only be a first expense. Conversazione^ in old English, of course." " And here, my love, are the ribbons for the maids' caps and sashes ; I bought them at Waterloo House, very cheap, and a very pretty candle-light colour." " Did you speak to them about their gowns?" "Yes, my love; Sally and Peggy have each a white gown, Betty I can lend one of my own." The difference between a conversazione and a rout is simply this : — In the former you are expected to talk or listen, but to be too ethereal to eat. In the latter, to be squeezed in a crowd, and eat ices, &c., to cool yourself A cofiversaziojteh^iS, therefore, a great advantage over the latter, as far as the pocket is concerned, it being much cheaper to procure food for the mind than food for the body. It would appear that tea has been as completely established as the beverage of modern scientific men, as nectar was formerly that of the gods. The Athenaeum gives tea ; and I observed in a late newspaper, that Lord G has promised tea to the Geographical Society. Had his lordship been aware that there was a beverage in- vented on board a ship much more appropriate to the science over which he presides than tea, I feel convinced he would 293 NEW70N FORSTER; ORt have substituted it immediately ; and I therefore take this op- portunity of informing him that sailors have long made use of a compound which actually goes by the name of geografy, which is only a trifling corruption of the name of the science, arising from their laying the accent on the penultimate. I will now give his lordship the receipt, which is most simple. Take a tin-pot, go to the scuttle-butt (having obtained per- mission from the quarter-deck), and draw off about half a pint of very offensive-smelling water. To this add a gill of vinegar and a ship's biscuit broken up into small pieces. Stir it well up with the fore-finger ; and then, with the fore-finger and thumb, you may pull out the pieces of biscuit, and eat them as fast as you please, drinking the liquor to wash all down. Now this would be the very composition to hand round to the Geographical Society. It is not christened geography without a reason ; the vinegar and water representing the green sea, and the pieces of biscuit floating in it, the continents and islands which are washed by it. Now, my lord, do not you thank me for my communica- tion? But we must return to the conversaziojie of Doctor and Mrs. Feasible. The company arrived. There was rap after rap. The whole street was astonished with the noise of the wheels and the rattling of the iron steps of the hackney-coaches. Doctor Feasible had procured some portfolios of prints ; some Indian idols from a shop in Wardour Street, duly labelled and chris- tened, and several other odds and ends to create matter of conversation. The company consisted of several medical gentlemen and their w ives, the great Mr. E , and the facetious Mr. C . There were ten or twelve authors, or gentlemen suspected of authorship, fourteen or fifteen chemists, all scien- tific of course, one colonel, half a dozen captains, and to crown all, a city knight and his lady, besides their general acquaint- ance, unscientific and unprofessional. For a beginning this was very well ; and the company departed very hungry, but highly delighted with their evening's entertainment. " What can all that noise be about ? " said Mrs. Plausible to her husband, who was sitting with her in the drawing-room, reading the Lancet^ while she knotted, or did not THE MERCHANT SER VICE^ 293 *'I am sure I cannot tell, Mrs. Plausible." " There, again ! I'm sure if I have heard one, I have heard thirty raps at a door within this quarter of an hour. I'm de- termined I will know what it is/' continued Mrs. Plausible, getting up, and ringing the bell. " Thomas, do you know what all that noise is about ? " said LIrs. Plausible, when the servant answered the bell. " No, ma'am, I doesn't." " Well, then, go and see." " Yes, ma'am." The impatience of Mrs. Plausible, during the absence of Thomas, increased with the repetition of the knocks. **VVell, Thomas?" said she, as the footman entered. *' If you please, ma'am, Mr, Feasible has got a conwersation -that's all." "Got a what?" " A conversazione he means, my dear. It's very strange that Mr. Feasible should pretend to give such a thing 1" " I think so too," replied the lady. " He keeps no carriage. What can be his inducement ? " " I perceive," replied Dr. Plausible, " he wants to get prac- tice. Depend upon it, that's his plan. A sprat to catch a mackerel ! " Husband and wife were again silent, and resumed their occupations ; but the Lancet was not read, and the knotting was all in knots, for they were both in a brown study. At last, Mrs. Plausible commenced : " I really do not see, my dear, why we should not give a con- vcrsazione as well as Dr. Feasible." "I was just thinking that we could give them much better; our acquaintance now is very numerous." "And very respectable," replied the lady; "it will make us more known in the world." " And add to my practice. I'll soon beat Doctor Feasible out of the field ! " ^ The result of this conversation was a cofiversazione, which certainly was on a much better scale, and better attended than the one collected by Doctor Feasible. Doctor Plausible had pumped a mutual acquaintance as to the merits of his rival, and had set to work with great diligence. 294 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, He ordered his carriage, and for two or three days previous to the one fixed, went round to all his friends, who had curi- osities, foreign, indigenous, or continental, admired them, talked learnedly, expressed a wish to exhibit them to several gentlemen of talent at his next conversazione^ pulled out a card for the party, and succeeded in returning home with his carriage stuffed with curiosities and monstrosities. Negus and cherry-water were added to tea in the refreshment- room; and the conversazione of Doctor Plausible was pro- nounced by those who had been invited to both, infinitely superior to that of Doctor Feasible. A good-natured friend called upon Doctor and Mrs. Feasible with the news They pretended indifference, as they bit their lips to conceal their vexation. As soon as he took his leave — " Well, my dear," said Mrs. Feasible, " what do you think of this ? Very unhandsome on the part of Doctor Plausible ! I was told this morning that several of our acquaintances have expressed a wish to be introduced to him.'* " We must not give up the point, my love. Doctor Plausible may make a splash once ; but I suspect that his horses eat him out of house and home, and interfere very much with the butcher's bills. If so, we who keep no carriage can afford it better. But it's very annoying, as there will be an increase of expense." ^' Very annoying, indeed V replied the lady. "Look at his card, my dear, it is nearly twice as large as ours. I begged it of Mr. Tomkins, on purpose to compare it." '* Well, then, my dear, we must order others, and mind that they measure an inch more than his. It shall cost him some- thing before we have done, I'm determined.'' "You heard what Mr. Smithson said? They gave negus and cherry- water." " We must do the same. I've a great mind to give ices.'* " Oh ! my love, remember the expense." " Very true ; but we can ice our negus and cherry-water. Rough ice is only twopence a pound, I believe." "Well, that will be an improvement." "And there shall be more, or I'll be in the Bench," replied the doctor in his wrath. The next conversazione for which cards were issued by THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 295. Doctor Feasible, was on a superior scale. There was a con- siderable increase of company. He had persuaded a country- baronet ; secured the patronage of two ladies of rank (with a slight blot on their escutcheons), and collected, amongst others, a French count (or adventurer), a baron with mustachios, two German students in their costumes and long hair, and an actress of some reputation. He had also procured the head of a New Zealand chief; some red snow, or rather, red water (for it was melted), brought home by Captain Ross ; a piece of granite from the Croker mountains ; a kitten in spirits, with two heads and twelve legs ; and half a dozen abortions of the feathered or creeping tribes. Everything went off well. The two last fees he had received were sacrificed to have the party announced in the Morning Post, and Doctor Feasible's triumph was complete. But it was not to last long. In ten days Dr. Plausible's cards were again issued, larger than Dr. Feasible's, and with a handsome embossed border of lilies and roses. Male attend- ants, tea and coffee, ices and liqueurs were prepared ; and Dr. Feasible's heart failed him, when he witnessed the ingress and egress of the pastrycooks, with their boxes on their heads. Among his company he had already mustered up five celebrated blues ; four ladies of quality, of better reputation than Dr. Feasible's ; seven or eight baronets and knights ; a bishop of Fernando Po ; three or four general officers ; and a dozen French and German visitors to the country, who had not only titles, but wore orders at their button-holes. Thus far had he advanced, when he met Newton Forster, and added him to the list of the invited. In about two hours afterwards, Dr. Plausible returned home to his wife, radiant with smiles. " My dear, who do you think has promised to come to- morrow night ? " "Who, my love?" " Prince Fizzybelli ! " " You don't say so ? " screamed the lady, with delight. " Yes, most faithfully promised." " What wi/lthQ Feasibles say ? " cried the lady ; ** but— is he a real prince?" " A real prince ! O yes, indeed he is ! well known in Tartary." 29$ NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, " Well, Dr. Plausible, I have good news for you. Here is a note from Mr. H , in answer to yours, in which he promises you the loan of the wax figure from Germany, of a female in the first stage of par — partu, — I can't make out the word.'' " Excellent ! most excellent ! " cried the doctor, rubbing his hand ; " now we s^a// do." Newton, who had some curiosity to see a conversazione^ which to him was a terra incognita^ did not fail to go at the appointed hour. He was ushered upstairs into the drawing- room, at the door of which he was received by Mrs. Plausible, in blue and silver. The rooms not being very large, were ex- tremely crowded, and Newton at one moment found himself jammed against some curiosity, and at another treading on the toes or heels of people, who accepted his apologies, looking daggers, and with a snarling " don't mention it." But a thundering knock at the door was followed by the announcement of his Highness Prince Fizzybelli — Prince Fizzybelli at the door — Prince Fizzybelli coming up — Prince Fizzybelli (enters). Had it been permitted, Dr. Plausible would have received his guest with a flourish of trumpets, as great men are upon the stage, without which it is impossible now a days to know a great man from a little one. However, the hired servants did their duty, and the name of Fizzybelli was fizzed about the room in every direction. Dr. Plausible trod on the corns of old Lady G , upset Miss Periwinkle, and nearly knocked down a French savant^ in his struggle to obtain the door to receive his honoured guest, who made a bow, looked at the crowd — looked at the chandelier — looked at his watch, and looked very tired in the course of five minutes, when Prince Fizzybelli ordered his carriage and was off. Newton, who had examined several very strange things, which occupied the tables about the room, at last made his way to the ante-room, where the crowd was much more dense than elsewhere. Taking it for granted that there was something in- teresting to be seen, he persevered until he had forced his way to the centre, when what was his astonishment when he beheld under a long glass-case a figure of a woman modelled in wax, of exact and certainly of beautiful proportion ! It was as large as life, and in a state of perfect nudity. The face lifted up^ HIE MERCHANT SER VICE \ 297 and discovered the muscles beneath ; in fact, every part of the image could be removed, and presented to the curious every part of the human frame, modelled exact, and coloured. Newton was indeed astonished : he had witnessed several articles in the other room, which he had considered more fitted for the museum of an institution than a drawing-room ; but this was indeed a novelty ; and when, to crown all, he witnessed certain little demireps of science, who fancied that not to be ashamed was now as much a proof of knowledge, as in our first parents it was of innocence, and who eyed the figure without turning away from it or blushing, he quitted the room with disgust, and returned home quite satisfied with one conversazione, I am not partial to blues : generally speaking, ladies do not take up science until they find that the men will not take up them ; and a remarkably clever woman by reputation is too often a remarkably unpleasant or a remarkably ugly one. But there are exceptions; exceptions that a nation may be proud of — women who can fulfil their duties to their husbands and their children, to their God and to their neighbour, although endowed with minds more powerful than is allotted to one man in tens of thousands. These are heavenly blues; and, among the few, no one shines more pre-eminent than my dear Mrs. S e. However, whether Newton was satisfied or not, this con- versazione was a finisher to Dr. Feasible, who resigned the con- test. Dr. Plausible not only carried away the palm — but,, what was still worse, he carried off the " practice I" CHAPTER XLV. ** Their only labour is to kill the time ; And labour dire it />, and weary tuoe ; They sit — they lotirige — turn o'er some idle rhyme: Then rising sudden — to the glass they go^ Or saunter forth with loitei'ing step and sloiv^ Castle of Indolence. Captain O ugh ton, who commanded the Windsor Castle, was an original. His figure was short and thick-set, his face broad, 298 NEWTON JFORSTER; OR^ and deeply pitted with the small-pox; his nose, an apology for a nose, being a small tubercle arising midway between his eyes and mouth, the former of which were small, the latter wide, and displaying a magnificent row of white teeth. On the whole, it was impossible to look in his face without being immediately struck with his Hkeness to a bull -dog. His tem- perament and his pursuits were also analogous; he was a great pugilist, knew the merits of every man in the ring, and the precise date and circumstances attending every battle which had been fought for the previous thirty years. His con- versation was at all times interlarded with the slang terms appropriated to the science to which he was so devoted. In other points he was a brave and trustworthy officer, although he valued the practical above the theoretical branches of his profession, and was better pleased when superintending the mousing of a stay or the strapping of a block than when " flooring " the sun, as he termed it, to ascertain the latitude, or " breaking his noddle against the old woman's,'' in taking a lunar observation. Newton had been strongly recommended to him, and Captain Oughton extended his hand as to an old acquaintance, when they met on the quarter-deck. Before they had taken a dozen turns up and down. Captain Oughton inquired if Newton could handle the mauleys ; and on being assured in the negative, volunteered his instruction during their passage out. "You heard the end of it, I suppose?'* said Captain Oughton, in continuance. "The end of what, sir?" " What ! — why the fight. Spring beat. IVe cleared three hundred by him.'' "Then, sir, I am very glad that Spring beat," replied Newton. " I'll back him against a stone heavier any day in the week. IVe got the newspaper in the cabin, with the fight— forty-seven rounds; but we can't read it now — we must see after these soldiers and their traps. Look at them," continued Captain Oughton, turning to a party of the troops ordered for the passage, who were standing in the gangway and booms ; " every man Jack with his tin pot in his hand, and his great- coat on. Twig the drum-boy; he has turned his coat — do THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 299 you see ? — ^with the lining outwards to keep it clean. By Jove, that's a wrinkleP^ " How many officers do you expect, Captain Oughton?" **I hardly know — they make such alterations in theii arrangements ; five or six, I believe. The boat went on shore for them at nine o'clock. They have sent her back, with their compliments, seven times already, full of luggage. There's one lieutenant — I forget his name — wliose chests alone would fill up the main-deck. There's six under the half-deck," said Captain Oughton, pointing to them. "Lieutenant Winterbottom," said Newton, reading the name. " I wish to Heaven that he had remained the winter, or that his chests were all to the bottom ! I don't know where the devil we are to stow them. Oh, here they come ! Boatswain's mate, tend the side there." In a minute, or thereabouts, the military gentlemen made their appearance, one by one, on the quarter-deck, scrutinising their gloves as they bade adieu to the side-ropes, to ascertain if they had in any degree been defiled by the adhesive proper- ties of the pitch and tar. Captain Oughton advanced to receive them, "Welcome, gentlemen," said he — "welcome on board. We trip our anchor in half an hour. I am afraid that I have not the plea- sure of knowing your names, and must request the honour of being introduced." " Major Clavering, sir," said the major, a tall, handsome man, gracefully taking off his hat: "the officers who accom- pany me are (waving his hand towards them in succession). Lieutenant Winterbottom " Lieutenant Winterbottom bowed. " I've had the pleasure of reading Lieutenant Winterbottom's name several times this forenoon/' observed Captain Oughton, as he returned the salute. "You refer to my luggage, I'm afraid, Captain Oughton." " Why, if I must say it, I certainly think you have enough for a general." " I can only reply that I wish my rank were equal to my luggage; but it is a general complaint every time I have the misfortune to embark. I trust, Captain Oughton, it will be 300 NEWTON FORSTER ; OR, the only one you will have to make of me during the pas- sage." Major Clavering, who had waited during this dialogue, con- tinued — " Captain Majoribanks, whom I ought to apologise to for not having introduced first " "Not at all, major; you just heard the brevet rank which Winterbottom's baggage has procured him." " Not the first time a man has obtained rank through his * baggage,' " observed one of the officers, soito voce, "Mr. Ansell, Mr. Petres, Mr. Irving." The necessary bows were exchanged^ and Mr. Williams, the first-mate, desired to show the officers to their respective ac- commodations, when he would be able to ascertain what part of their luggage was required, and be enabled to strike the re- mainder down into the after-hold. As the officers followed the first-mate down the companion- ladder, Captain Oughton looked at Mr. Ansell, and observed to Newton, "That fellow would /een informed that the two young women have married?" *' I was told so by some one who came on board." 310 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, " Yes. Isabel, my dear, order a chamber for Mr. Forster.** Isabel left the room. " Yes, both married— thought of nothing else — regularly came out on spec. In less than a month they knew the exact rank of every gentleman in the Presidency ; ascertained their prospects, and the value of their appointments; turned the rupees into pounds sterling ; broke off the conversa- tion with an ensign at the sight of a lieutenant ; cut the lieu- tenant for a captain; were all smiles for a major; and actually made love themselves to any body who was above that rank, .and a bachelor. They made their decision at last ; indeed pretty quick. They were only four months on my hands. Both up the country now." "I trust they have married well, sir? " "That depends upon circumstances. They have married young men not used to the climate. May be widows in half a year. If their husbands weather it, of course, they will come in for their share of the good things ; but I'll warrant they will never be able to leave the country." " Not leave the country, sir ! May I ask why ? ^' " Because they have married foolish, extravagant wives, who will run them in debt ; and when once in debt, it is no easy matter in this country to get out of it. They must insure their lives for the money which they borrow ; and as the house of agency will be gainers by their demise, of course they will not be permitted to leave the country and their chance of the cholera rnoi'bus. Don't you think that my neice looks remark- ably well?" " I do ; the climate does not appear to have affected her." "Rather improved her," replied the colonel; "she is not so thin as when she came on shore. God bless her ! Tm sure, Mr. Forster, I am under great obligations to you for having persuaded me to go for the dear girl when she arrived. She has been a treasure to me ! If she has had one, she has had twenty offers since you left ; many unexceptionable ; but she has refused them all. In some instances I have persuaded her — I thought it was my duty. But no ; she has but one answer, and that is a decided one. She will not leave me. She has watched and attended me in my sickness as my own daughter. I say again, God bless her ! " It was with delight that Newton heard these encomiums THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 3 1 1 upon Isabel, and her resolution not to many. AVhetlier It was wholly on account of not wishing to leave the colonel or not, still every delay gave him more chance of ultimate success. Isabel, who had stayed away that the colonel might have time to make any communications to Newton, now returned, and the conversation became general. Newton entered into a narrative of what had occurred during his passage home, and amused them with his anecdotes and conversation. In about an hour the colonel rose from his chair that he might prepare for dinner; and then it was that Newton per- ceived the great change which had taken place. He was no longer upright, but bowed down ; his step was no longer firm, it was almost tottering; and, as he left the room, Newton's eyes met those of Isabel. "You think him ill?'* said Isabel, inquiringly. " Yes, I do, Miss Revel. He is very much changed ; his stamina appears to have been exhausted by the climate. I trust he will go home as he proposes." " He has been ill — very ill indeed. He talks constantly of home ; he has done so for months ; but when the time comes he puts it off. I wish you would persuade him." " I will do all I can ; but if you cannot prevail, I'm afraid that my persuasion will be of little use." " Indeed, I think otherwise ; you have power over him, Mr. Forster. I have not forgotten how kindly you exercised it in my behalf. We — that is," continued Isabel, colouring up, "the colonel has often talked of you since you quitted us." "I feel highly flattered by his remembrance," replied New- ton; "but you are in mourning. Miss Revel. If not a liberty from one who feels an interest in all concerning you, may I inquire for whom?" " It is for my father," replied Isabel, with emotion, sitting down, and passing her hand across her eyes. " I never heard of his death, and must apologize for having been so indiscreet as to renew your sorrow. How long is it since? and what was his complaint?" "He had no complaint — would to God that he had ! He v/as shot in a duel," replied Isabel, as the tears coursed down her cheeks. " Oh ! Mr. Forster, I trust I am resigned to the dispensations of Providence, but — that he should be summoned 3ia NEWTON FORSTER; OR, away at the moment when he was seeking the life of his fellow- creature, with all the worst passions in excitement — unprepared — for he was killed on the spot. These reflections will make his death a source of bitter regret, which can terminate but with existence." "Your mother is still alive?" inquired Newton, to change the painful subject. " Yes, but very ill ; the last accounts were very distressing ; they say that her complaint is incurable." Newton regretted having brought up so painful a subject. A few words of condolence and sympathy were offeied, and they separated to prepare for dinner. Newton remained four days under the roof of the colonel, during which time he was constantly in the society of Isabel ; and when the period of his departure arrived, he had just grounds to imagine that, were all obstacles in other points removed, Isabel Revel would not, on her part, have raised any against the accomplishment of his wishes ; but their mutual dependent situations chased away all ideas of the kind for the present, and although they parted with unconcealed emotion, not a word which could be construed into a declaration of attachment was permitted to escape his lips. The Windsor Castle sailed for Calcutta, and in a few days anchored at Kedgeree to wait for a pilot to come down the river. During their short stay at this anchorage, Mr. Williams, the first-mate, who was an old Indian voyager, went on shore every evening to follow up his darling amusement of shooting jackals, a description of game by no means scarce in that quarter of the world. Often remonstrated with for his im- prudence in exposing himself to the heavy night-dew, he would listen to no advice. "It was very true, he acknow- ledged, that his brother had died of a jungle fever in pursuing the same amusement, and what was more, the fowling-piece in his hand belonged to his brother, who had bequeathed it to him ; but as he had never heard of two brothers dying from a jungle fever taken by shooting jackals, he considered that the odds were strongly in his favour." This argument, how- ever specious, did not prove good. The third morning he returned on board, complaining of a headache and shivering. He was bled and put into his bed, which he never left again. THE MERCHANT SER ViCE. 313 Before the Windsor Castle was ready to sail, the remains of Mr. Williams were consigned to the burying-ground at Diamond Harbour, and Newton Forster was promoted to the rank of first-mate of the Windsor Castle. This, as will hereafter be proved, was a most fortunate occurrence to Newton Forster. The Windsor Castle sailed with leave to call at Madras for letters or passengers, and in a few days was again at anchor in the roadstead. The first intelligence which they received upon their arrival was, that the cholera morbus had been very fatal, and that among others, the old colonel had fallen a victim to the disease. Newton again obtained permission to go on shore to Isabel. He found her in distress at the house of a Mrs. Enderby, a lady who had lost her husband by the same ravaging epidemic, and who had long been the intimate friend of the colonel and of Isabel. Mrs. Enderby was about to return to England by the first vessel, and had advised Isabel to take so favourable an opportunity of a chapei'on, Isabel, who had many reasons for wishing to leave the country, par- ticularly the declining state of her mother's health, had con- sented ; and it was with great pleasure that she received from Newton the information of the best cabins of the Windsor Castle not having been hitherto engaged. The colonel's will had been opened. He had bequeatlied his property, the whole of which, with the exception of his establishment in India, was invested in the English fimds, to his grand-niece Isabel Revel. It amounted to nearly seventy thousand pounds. It would be difficult to say whether Newton Forster felt glad or sorry at this intelligence. For Isabel's sake, he undoubtedly was glad ; but he could not but feel that it increased the distance between them, and on that account, and on that alone, his reflections were painful. '' Had it,'' thought he, '*been five thousand, or ten thousand pounds, it would have been different. In the course of a few years I might have been able to produce an equivalent to it, and — but this fortune has raised her above my hopes ; even if she had a pre- possession in my favour, it would be dishonest to take advan- tage of it." Isabel Revel had very different feelings on the subject — she was her ovm mistress, and her manner to Newton was more cordial, more confidential than before. She had not forgotten 314 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, that Newton had shown the same regard and partiality for her when she was going out to India; and afterwards, when in distress, he had been her friend and admirer when in adversity. She knew his feeHngs towards her, and she had appreciated his dehcacy and forbearance. Lately she had seriously analysed her own, and her analysis was wound up by a mental acknow- ledgment that her w^ealth would be valueless, if she could not share it with Newton Forster. At the request of Mrs. Enderby, the poop cabins were en- gaged for Isabel and herself Their time for preparation was short; but one day more having been obtained from Captain Oughton, through the influence of Newton, Mrs. Enderby and Isabel embarked, and the Windsor Castle spread her canvas, sailing away fi-om pestilence and death. CHAPTER XLVII. ^^ Britannia needs no bnlwarky No toivers along the steeps Her march is o^er the mountain waves, Her home is on the deep.^^ — Campbell. The Windsor Castle ploughed through the vast ocean of waters before a propitious gale, laden with treasure, in the safe arrival of which so many were interested. But what were all the valu- ables stowed away in her frame, in the opinion of Newton Forster, in comparison with the lovely being who had intrusted them with her safe conduct to her native country ! The ex- treme precautions adopted or suggested by Newton for security during the night — his nervous anxiety during the day— became a source of laughter and ridicule to Captain Oughton ; who once observed to him, — *' Newton, my boy, I see how the land lies, but depend upon it the old ship won't tumble overboard a bit sooner than before ; so one reef in the top-sails will be quite sufficient." Indeed, although they " never mentioned it," it was impos- sible for either of them to disguise their feelings. Their very attempts at concealment only rendered them more palpable to THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 31S everyone on board. Captain Oughton, who was very partial to Newton, rejoiced in his good fortune. He had no objection to young people falling or being in love on board of his ship, although he vrould not have sanctioned or permitted a marriage to take place during the period that a young lady was under his protection. Once landed on Deal beach, as he observed, they might "buckle to" as soon as they pleased. The Windsor Castle was within two hundred miles of the Mauritius, when a strange vessel was discovered on the weather beam, bearing dovv-n to them with all the canvas she could spread. Her appearance was warlike; but what her force might be, it was imposible to ascertain at the distance she was off, and the position which she then offered, being then nearly *'endon." " Can you make out her hull, Mr. Forster?'' cried Captain Oughton, hailing Newton, who was at the mast-head with a glass. " No, sir ; her fore-yard is but nov/ clear of the water, but she rises very fast." "What do you think of her spars, Forster?" said Captain Oughton to Newton, who had just descended to the last rattling of the main-rigging. "She is very taut, sir, and her canvas appears to be foreign.'* "I'll bet you what you please it's that d d fellow Surcoeuf. This is just his cruising-ground, if the report of that neutral vessel was correct.'' " Another hour will decide the point, sir," replied Newton ; " but I must say I think your surmise likely to prove correct. We may as well be ready for him : a cruiser she certainly is." " The sooner the better, Mr. Forster. He's but a ' rum customer,' and *a hard hitter' by all accounts. Clear up the decks, and beat to quarters." The strange vessel came dov/n with such rapidity that, by the time the captain's orders were obeyed, she was not more than two miles distant. "There's 'in studding-sails;* — and in devilish good style too!" observed Captain Oughton. "Now we shall see what he's made of." The vessel rounded to the wind as soon as she had reduced 31(5 NEWTON PORSTeR; (9^, her sails, on the same tack as the Windsor Casfk, displaying her broadside, as the French would say, herissce des canons, "A corvette, sir," said Newton, reconnoitring through his glass; " two-and-twenty guns besides her bridle ports. She is French rigged ; — the rake of her stern is French ; — in fact, she is French all over." *'A11 Lombard Street to a China orange, 'tis Surcosuf,'' replied Captain Oughton, who, with the rest of his officers, had his glass upon the vessel. There goes the tricoloured flag to prove IVe won my bet. Answer the challenge. Toss my hat up. — Pshaw ! I mean hoist the colours there abaft. Mr. Thomas," continued Captain Oughton, addressing the boat- swain, '* send the ship's company aft. — Forster, you had better see the ladies down below." At the summons of the boatswain, the men came aft, and stood in a body on the lee side of the quarter deck, with their hats off, and impatience in their looks. "Now, my lads," said Captain Oughton, "if I am not mis- taken, that vessel is commanded by the very best seaman that ever left a French port, and to do him justice, he's a damnation fme fellow ! — a severe punisher, and can take a mauling as well as give one." " Yes, sir, so can we," replied several of the men together. " I know you can, my lads ; and give and take is fair play. All I say is, let it be a fair stand up fight, and *may the best man win.' So now, my lads, if you're ready to come to the scratch, why, the sooner we peel the better — that's all." "Hurrah!" cried the seamen, as they separated to their quarters ; and, in compliance with the injunctions of the cap- tain, threw off their jackets, and many of them their shirts, to prepare for the conflict. The corvette, after she had rounded to, and exchanged colours, reduced her sails to precisely the same canvas as that carried by the Windsor Castle, This was to try her rate of sailing. In a quarter of an hour, her superiority was manifest. She then hauled up her courses, and dropped to her former position on the Windsor Castle's Aveather-beam. " The fellow has the heels of us, at all events," observed Captain Oughton ; " but, Forster, the ladies are not yet below. Mrs. Enderby, I am sorry to be obliged to put you in confine- THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 317 ment for a short time. Ivliss Revel, you must do me the favour to accept of Mr. Forster's convoy below the watcr- Ime/' Newton offered his arm to Isabel, and followed Captain Oughton, who escorted Mrs. Enderby. His heart was swelling with such variety of feeling that he could not at first trust himself to speak. When they had descended the ladder, and were picking their way, stepping over the rammers, sponges, and tackles, stretched across the main-deck, Newton observed — " This is not the first time I have been commissioned to place you in security. I trust I shall again have the pleasure of relieving you from your bondage." Isabel's lips quivered as she replied, "I trust in God that you may, Mr. Forster ! — but — I feel more anxious now than I did on the former occasion. I " " I have a foreboding," interrupted Newton, " that this day's work is to make or mar me ! Why, I cannot tell, but I feel more confident than the chances would warrant ; but farewell, Isabel — God bless you ! " — and Newton, pressing her hand, sprang up the ladder to his station on the quarter-deck. I have before observed that a man's courage much depends upon his worldly means or prospects. A man who has much to lose, whatever the property may consist of, will be less inclined to fight than another whose whole capital consists of a ** light heart and a thin pair of breeches." Upon the same reasoning, a man in love will not be inclined to fight as another. Death then cuts off the sweetest prospects in existence. Lord St. Vincent used to say that a married man was d — d for the service. Now (bating the honeymoon), I do not agree with his lordship. A man in love may be inclined to play the Mark Antony; but a married man, " come what will, he has been blessed." Once fairly into action, it then is of little conse- quence whether a man is a bachelor, or married, or in love ; the all-absorbing occupation of killing your fellow-creatures makes you for the time forget whether you are a beggar or a prince. When Newton returned on deck, he found that the corvette had gradually edged down until nearly within point-blank range. "Shall we lay the main-topsail to the mast?" observed Newton. " We shall see his manoeuvres.'' 3i8 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, *' AVhy, he hardly would be fool enough to bear down to us," replied Captain Oughton ; "he is a determined fellow, I knov/; but I believe not a rash one. However, we can but try. Square the main-yard." As soon as the Windsor Castle was hove-to, the courses of the enemy were seen to flutter a few moments in the breeze, and then the canvas was expanded. When the vessel had gathered sufficient way, she hove in stays, and crossed the Windsor Castle on the opposite tack. " I thought so,'' observed Captain Oughton. " The fellow knows what he is about. He'll not * put his head in chancery,' that's clear. How cautious the rascal is ! It's very like the first round of a fight — much manoeuvring and wary sparring before they begin to make play." The corvette stood on the opposite tack until well abaft the beam. She then wore round, and ranged up on the weather quarter of the Indiaman. When within two cables' length of the Windsor Castle^ who had, a little before, filled her main- topsail to be in command, the Frenchman hauled up his fore- sail, and discovered his lower rigging manned by the ship's company, who gave a loud but hasty cheer, and then dis- appeared. One cock crovvdng is a challenge, sure to be answered, if the antagonist is game. The English seamen sprang up to return the compliment, when Captain Oughton roared out, " To your guns, you fools ! Hard down with the helm — fly the jib-sheet — check headbraces— look out now, my lads." The corvette had already put her helm up and paid off to pass under the stern of the Windsor Castle^ with the intention of raking her. The promptitude of Captain Oughton foiled the manoeuvre of the Frenchman ; which would have been more fatal had the English seamen been in the rigging to have been swept off by his grape-shot. As the Windsor Castle was thrown upon the wind, an exchange of broadsides took place, which, according to the usual custom of all well regulated broadsides in close conflict, cut away a certain proportion of the spars and rigging, and cut up a proportion of the ships' companies. The Windsor Castle^ worked by Newton, bracing round on the other tack, and the corvette rounding to on the same, the two vessels separated for a few minutes. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 319 " Devilish well stopped, Newton, wasn't it ? " said Captain Oughton, showing his white teeth. " Look out again — here she comes/' The corvette again attempted to rake as she ranged up after tacking, by throwing herself up in the wind ; but Captain Oughton, watching the slightest variation of his adversary's career, gradually edging away, and then putting his helm up, manoeuvred that the broadsides should again be ex- changed. This second exchange was more effectual than the first. " A stomacher, and both dov/n ! " cried Captain Oughton, as he surveyed the deck. " Be quick, Newton, hand the men below. Don't bring her to the wind yet, he has lost his way by luffing up, and cannot make play again for a fev/ minutes." After the second broadside, the vessels were much further apart, from the Windsoi' Castle running off the wind, while the corvette was too much crippled to work with her usual rapidity. This was convenient to both parties, as the last broadside had been very mischievous. The Frenchman, low in the water, had suffered less in her hull and ship's company, but more in her spars and rigging. The foremast was nearly cut in half by the carronade shot of her antagonist ; her main-yard was badly wounded, and her wheel knocked to atoms, which obliged them to steer on the lower deck. The IVifidsor Castle had received five shots in her hull, three men killed, and six wounded ; three of her main shrouds cut in two, and her mizzen- niast badly wounded. It was a quarter of an hour before the Frenchman returned to the attack. Captain Oughton had again hauled his wind, as if not wishing to decline the combat ; which, indeed, the superior sailing of his antagonist prevented. The corvette appeared to have given up manoeuvring; whether from the crippled state of her spars and sails, or from perceiving that he had hitherto gained nothing by his attempts. He now ranged up to within two cables' lengths of the Windsor Castle, and recommenced the action, broadside to broadside. The breeze was lulled by the concussion of the air ; and both vessels continued in the same position, and at the same distance for upwards of an hour, pouring in their broadsides, every shot of which was effectual. 320 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, " Now, this is what I call a reg'lar set-to. Fire away, my lads,'* cried Captain Oughton, rubbing his hands. " A proper rally this. D — n it, but he's game ! " The wounded mizzen-mast of the Wuidsoi' Castle received another shot in the heart of it, which threw it over the side. Every part of her hull proved the severe and well directed fire of the enemy; her sails were as ragged as Jeremy Didler's pocket- handkerchief; her remaining masts pitted with shot ; the bul- warks town away in several places ; the boats on the booms in shivers ; rigging cut away fore and aft, and the ends swinging to and fro with the motion of the vessel ; her decks in confu- sion ; and some of her guns, from necessity, deserted. Captain Oughton, Newton, and the rest of the officers, continued to encourage the men, giving them assistance in working the guns; and the ship's company appeared to have fully imbibed the bull-dog spirit of their commander. The fire of the Wi?2dsor Casf/ehad been equally destructive. The vessels had gradually ncared each other in the calm ; and the height of the Windsor Castle out of the water, in compari- son with the corvette, had given her the advantage in sweeping the decks of the enemy. The contending vessels were in this situation, when, for a minute or two, a cessation of firing took place, in consequence of the accumulation of smoke, which had so completely enshrouded them both that they knew not where to direct their guns; and they waited until it should clear away, that the firing might recommence. A light air gradually swept the veil to leeward, and discovered both vessels to each other, at the distance of half a cable's length. Captain Oughton was with Newton on the poop, and the com- mander of the French corvette was standing on the hammock nettings of his own vessel. The latter took off his hat, and courteously saluted his adversary. Captain Oughton answered the salutation; and then waving his hat, pointed to the Enghsh colours, which had been hoisted at the main ; as much as to say, "They never shall come down !" The Frenchman (it was Surcoeuf) did the same to the tricolour, and the action recommenced. " Well done, my lads ! " cried Captain Oughton ; " well done ! that broadside was a staggerer — right into his ribs. Hurrah now, my hearts of oak ! this fellow's worth fighting. THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 351 Aim at his foremast — another broadside will floor it. It's on the reel. Newton, jump forward, and " But the order was stopped by a grape-shot, which struck Captain Oughton in the breast. He staggered and fell from the poop to the quarter-deck. Newton leapt down, and w^nt to him. The torrents of blood from his breast at once told the tale : and Newton called to some of the men, that his com- mander might be taken below. ** Wait a moment, my dear lad,'' said Captain Oughton, faintly, and catching his breath at every word ; "it's a finisher — can't come to time — I die game." His head fell on his breast, and the blood poured out of his mouth. Newton directed the body to be taken into the cuddy, that the men might not be dispirited by the sight. He then hastened to the poop, that he might reconnoitre the enemy. He perceived that the corvette had hauled on board his tattered courses, and was standing ahead of them. " He's off, sir," cried one of the quarter- masters. " I suspect not," replied Newton, who had his glass to his eye, looking upon the decks of the French vessel. "They are preparing to board, and will be round again in five minutes. Cutlasses and pikes ready — forward, my lads, all of us ! We must beat them off ! " '* And will, too," cried the seamen, as in obedience to their orders, they collected on the forecastle. But they mustered thin ; nearly half of the ship's company were either lying dead or under the hands of the surgeon ; and, as Newton surveyed his little force, fatigued as they were with their exertions, black with powder, stained with blood, and reeking with perspiration, he could not but acknowledge how heavy were the odds against the attack of a vessel so well manned as the corvette appeared to be. Newton said but a few words ; but they were to the point ; and he had the satisfaction to perceive, as they grasped their cutlasses, that if their numbers were few and their frames exhausted, their spirit was as unsubdued as ever. The corvette had in the meantime run ahead on a wind, about a mile, when she wore round, and was now standing right on to the Windsor Castle, and had neared to within three cables' lengths. A few minutes were to decide tiie point. Her courses were again hauled up, and discovered her lee fore- Y 522 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, rigging, bowsprit^ cat-heads, and forecastle, crowded with men ready for the dash on board, as soon as the vessels should come in contact. Newton stood on one of the forecastle guns, surrounded by his men ; not a word was spoken on board of the Wi7idsor Casile, as they watched their advancing enemy. They were within a cable's length of each other, and Newton could plainly distinguish the features of the gallant Surcoeuf, who was in advance on the knight-heads, when a puff of wind, which at any other time would not have occasioned the starting of a royal sheet, took the sails of the corvette ; and her wounded foremast, laden with men in the lee-rigging, unable to bear the pressure, fell over the side, carrying with it the maintop-mast, and most of the crew, who had been standing in the rigging, and leaving the corvette an encumbered wreck. A loud shout from the forecastle of the Windsor Castle announced that the English seamen w^ere but too well aware of their desperate situation, and that they hailed the misfortune of the Frenchmen as their deliverance. " Now, my lads, be smart,'' cried Newton, as he sprang aft to the wheel, and put up the helm ; " man the flying jib- halyards (the jib was under the forefoot) ; let go the main- top bowling; square the main-yard. That will do; she's paying off. Man your guns ; half a dozen broadsides, and it's all our own." The sun had disappeared below the horizon, and the shades of evening had set in, before this manoeuvre had been accom- plished. Several broadsides were poured into the corvette, which had the desired effect of crippling her still more, and her encumbered condition prevented any return. At last the night hid both vessels from each other ; and the breeze freshening fast, it was necessary that the remaining masts of the Windsor Castle should be properly secured. The guns were therefore abandoned ; and during the time the seamen were employed in knotting the rigging and bending the spare sails, Newton con- sulted with his brother officers, who were unanimous in agreeing that all had been done that could be expected, and that to wait till the ensuing day, when the corvette would have repaired her damages, would be attended with a risk of capture, which the valuable property entrusted to their charge would never authorize. It was not until past midnight that the Windsor THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 323 Castle was in a condition to make sail ; but long before this, Newton had contrived to leave the deck for a few minutes to communicate with Isabel. With most of the particulars, and with the death of Captain Oughton, she had already been made acquainted ; and if there could be any reward to Newton, for his gallantry and his prudence, more coveted than another, it was the affectionate greeting with which he was welcomed and congratulated by Isabel, her eyes beaming with tears of delight as they glanced from his face, and were shrouded on the deck. Love and murder make a pretty mixture, although as antithe- tical as the sweet and acid in punch, — a composition which meets the approbation of all sensible, discriminating people. But I shall leave the reader to imagine all he pleases, and finish the chapter by informing him that, when the sun again made his appearance, the corvette was not to be discovered from the mast-head. The guns were therefore properly secured ; the decks washed ; a jury mizzen-mast stuck up abaft \ Captain Oughton, and the gallant fellows who had fallen in the combat, committed to the deep with the usual ceremonies ; the wounded made as comfortable as possible in their hammocks ; the carpenters busied with the necessary repairs; and tb/^ Windsor Castle, commanded by Newton Forster, running before a spanking breeze, at the rate of eight knots per hour. CHAPTER XLVIII. ** Ships are but boards^ sailors but men ; There be land rats, and water rats, water thieves. And land thieves ; I mean pirates, " — Shakspeare. Most prophetical w^as the remark made by Newton Forster to Isabel, previous to the action ; to wit, that it would make or mar him. The death of Captain Oughton, and the spirited defence of the Windsor Castle, were the making of Newton Forster. As a subordinate officer, he might have been obliged to toil many years before he could have ascended to the summit of the ladder of promotion; and during the time which he remained in that situation, what chance had he of making an independence, and proposing for the hand of Isabel Revel ? 324 NEWTOy FORSTER; OR, But now that, by a chain of circumstances peculiarly fortuitous, he was in command of the East Indiaman, returning home after having beat off a vessel of equal if not superior force, and preserved a cargo of immense value, he felt confident that he not only would be confirmed to the rank which he vras nov/ called upon to assume, but that he had every prospect of being employed. As a captain of an Indiaman, he was aware that reception into society, wealth, and consideration awaited him ; and what made his heart to swell with gratitude and exultation, was the feeling that soon he would be enabled to aspire to the hand of one to whom he had so long been ardently attached. As the Windsor Castle plunged through the roaring and complaining seas, with all the impetus of wxight in motion, Newton's eyes were radiant with hope, although his demeanour towards Isabel was, from the peculiar circumstances attending their situation, more delicately reserved than before. When the Windsor Castle touched at St. Helena, Newton had the good fortune to obtain a supply of able seamen, more than sufficient for the remanning of his ship. They had been sent there in an empty brig by a French privateer, who had captured many vessels, and had been embarrassed with the number of her prisoners. Having obtained the stores which were required, Newton lost no time in prosecuting his voyage to England. It was about a fortnight after they had quitted St. Helena that a strange sail was reported on the starboard bow ; and as they neared her, it was evident that her foremast was gone, and that she was otherwise in a disabled state. When the India- man was within a mile, the stranger threw out neutral colours, and hoisted a whiff, half-mast down, as a signal that she was in distress. Newton ordered the ship to be kept away, and when alongside of the vessel, lowered down a boat, and sent the third-mate to ascertain what assistance could be afforded. With , sailors, thank God ! distress is sufficient to obtain assistance, and the nation or country are at once merged in that feeling of sympathy for those misfortunes which may perhaps but the next hour befall ourselves. The boat returned ; and the officer informed Newton that the vessel Avas from the Island of Bourbon, bound to Hamburg ; that she had been dismasted and severely injured in a gale off the Cape of Good Hope; and THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 3^ that when her mast went over the side, one-half of her crew, who were up at the time on the fore-yard, had been cast over- " board and drowned ; that from the want of men and material, they had been unable to rig an effective jury-mast, and had in consequence been so long on their passage that their provisions and Avater wxre nearly expended. The officer concluded by stating that there were a French lady and two gentlemen, with their attendants, who had taken their passage home in the vessel. Newton immediately went down the side, and pulled on board of the vessel to ascertain what assistance could be afforded. When he arrived on board, he was met by the Flemish captain, who commenced a statement of his misfortunes and his difficulties, vv^hen the French lady, who, unobserved by Newton, had come up the companion-ladder, screamed out as she ran into his arms — ** Ah ! mon Dieu ! — c*est Monsieur Nu-tong ! *' Newton looked at the lady, who had burst into tears, as her face lay upon his shoulder, and immediately recognised his former kind and affectionate friend, Madame de Fontanges : close to him, with his hand extended, was her generous husband. The meeting was joyful, and Newton was delighted that circum- stances had enabled him to render assistance to those who had been so kind to him in his former distress. " Oh ! Monsieur Nu-tong, nous avons tint soufferts ? Ah ! mon Dieu ! — point de I'eau — rien a manger," cried Madame de Fontanges; then smiling through her tears, *^mais ce rencontre est charmant ; — n'est ce pas, mon ami?'' continued the lady, appealing to her husband. ** You do not remember Monsieur le Marquis ? " snid M. de Fontanges to Newton. Newton turned his head, and recognised the governor of Guadaloupe, who had expressed such sympathy at his shipwreck, and had sent him away in the cartel instead of detaining him as a prisoner. The vessel was indeed in a deplorable condition ; and had she not received the timely assistance now afforded, would in all probability have soon been a scene of horror and of suffer- ing. They had not more than three days' water remaining on board, and provisions barely sufficing for three days. Newton hastened to send back the boat with orders for an immediate and ample supply of these necessaries, in case of bad w^eather 326 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, coming on and preventing further communication. Satisfied that their immediate wants were relieved, Newton took leave of his friends for the present, and returned on board his own ship, despatching his carpenters and part of his crew to the immediate refit of the vessel ; and then selecting a part of everything that the Windsor Castle contained in her store-rooms or on her decks, which he thought would administer to the comfort or the luxury of the passengers on board of the neutral. In two hours they who were in a state bordering upon famine found themselves revelling in plenty. Before night the English seamen had a jury-mast up, and the sails set. The Hollanders on board would have given their assistance, but they were told to remain on deck and make up for lost time, which they acquiesced in very readily, eating and drinking as if they were determined to lay in a stock for the remainder of the voyage. Newton, who had returned on board of the neutral to superintend the repairs and enjoy the society of his old friends, received from them a long account of what had occurred .since their separation. At nightfall he took his leave, promising to continue under easy sail and remain with them for a day or two, until they were satisfied that all was right, and that they no longer required his assistance. The narrative obtained by Newton may be thus condensed for the information of the reader. The Marquis de Fontanges .had been appointed from the government of Guadaloupe, to that of the Island of Bourbon, which was considered of more importance. Monsieur and Madame de Fontanges accom- panied him to his new command; and they had remained there for two years, when the ruhng powers, without any ground, except that the marquis, had received his appointment from the former government, thought proper to supersede him. Frigates were not so plentiful as to spare one for the return of an ex- governor ; and the marquis, being permitted to find his way home how he could, had taken advantage of the sailing of the Hamburger, to return to Europe or to France, or as he might find it advisable. For two days, during which the weather was so fine that Madame de Fontanges and the gentlemen went on board ot the Windsor Castle^ and were introduced to the ladies, Newton continued under easy sail, each day despatching to the neutral THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 327 everything which his gratitude could suggest ; but as Newton was most anxious to proceed on his voyage, it was agreed that the next morning they should part company. At the close of the evening a strange sail was observed on the weather-beam; but, as she carried no foretop-gallant sail, and appeared to be steering the same course as the Windsor Castle, she excited but a momentary observation, supposing that she was some home- ward-bound neutral, or a merchant vessel which had separated from her convoy. During the night, which was dark, the moon being in her first quarter, the officer of the middle watch lost sight of \ki€\x protege ; but this was to be expected, as she did not carry a light. Before morning the wind fell, and when the sun arose it was a perfect calm. The officer of the "w^atch, as the day dawned, went on the poop, surveying the horizon for their companion, and discovered her six or seven miles astern, lying alongside of the strange vessel which they had seen the day before. Both vessels, as well as the Windsor Castle^ were becalmed. He immediately went down to Newton, acquainting him with the circumstance, which bore a very suspicious appearance. Newton hastened on deck; with his glass he could plainly distinguish that the stranger was a vessel of a low, raking description, evidently no merchantman, but built for sailing fast, and in all probabihty a privateer. The man at the mast-head reported that boats were constantly l^assing between the two vessels. Newton, who felt very anxious for the safety of his friends, accepted the offer of the second- mate to take the gig, and ascertain what was going on. In little more than an hour the gig was seen from the mast-head to arrive within half a mile of the vessels, and shortly afterwards the smoke from a gun, followed by a distant report. The gig then winded and pulled back towards the Windsor Castle, It was in a state of great excitement that Newton waited for her return, when the second-mate informed him that on his approach he discovered that she was a flush vessel, pierced for fourteen guns, painted black, and apparently well manned; that she evidently, to use a nautical term, was "gutting the neutral ; " and that, as they had witnessed, on their boat coming within range, the vessel had fired a round of grape, which fortunately - fell short of them. She had shown no colours ; and from her appearance and behaviour (as all privateers respect neutrals), 328 NEWTON FORSTER; OR^ he had no doubt that she was the pirate vessel stated, when they were at St. Helena, to be cruismg in these latitudes. Newton was of the same opinion ; and it was with a heavy heart that he returned to the cabin, to communicate the un- pleasant intelligence to Mrs. Enderby and Isabel. There is nothing more annoying in this world than the will without the power. At any time, a vessel becalmed is con- sidered a very sufficing reason for swearing by those who are on board of her. What then must have been the feelings of Newton, lying on the water in a state of compelled inaction, while his friends were being plundered, and perhaps murdered by a gang of miscreants before his eyes ! How eagerly and repeatedly did he scan the horizon for the coming breeze ! How did Hope raise her head at the slightest cat's paw that ruffled the surface of the glassy waters ! Three successive gales of wind are bad enough ; but three gales blowing hard enough to blow the deviFs horns off are infinitely preferable to one idle, stagnant, motionless, confounded calm, oppressing you with the blue-devils and maddening you with the fidgets at one and the same time. At last, as the sun descended, the breeze sprung up, first playing along the waters in capricious and tantalizing airs, as if uncertain and indifferent in its infancy to which quarter of the compass it should direct its course. The ship agairt answered her helm ; her head was put the right way, and the sails were trimmed to every shift which it made, to woo its utmost power. In a quarter of an hour it settled, blowing from a quarter which placed them to windward of, and they carried it down with them to within two miles of, the stranger and the neutral, who still remained becalmed. But, as the wind heshened, it passed a-head of them, sweeping along the surface, and darkening the colours of the water, until it reached the vessels to leeward ; one of which, — the one that Newton was so anxious to get alongside of,— immediately took advan- tage of it, and, spreading all her canvas, soon increased her distance. When the Windsor Castle arrived abreast of the neutral, the stranger was more than two miles to leeward. A little delay was then necessary to ascertain what had occurred. Newton, who perceived M. d'e Fontanges on the deck, shout-- ing to them and wringing his hands, rounded to, lowered THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 329 do^vn a boat, and pulled on board of the neutral. The intelli- gence communicated was distressing. The strange vessel was a pirate, who had plundered ihem of everything, had taken away Madame de Fontanges, Mimi and Charlotte, her two female attendants. The captain of the pirates had wounded and severely beaten M. de Fontanges, who had resisted the ^"^ enlevemenV^ of his wife; and after having cut away all the standing rigging, and nearly chopped through the masts with axes, they had finished their work by boring holes in the counter of the vessel ; so that, had not Newton been able to come up with her, they must all have perished during the night. There was no time to be lost ; the Marquis de Fontanges, M. de Fontanges, and the crew, were hurried on board of the Windsor Castle (the pirate had taken care that they should not be delayed in packing up their baggage), and Newton, as soon as he returned on board, and hoisted up his boat, crowded every stitch of canvas in pursuit of the pirate, who was now more than four miles distant. But, although the wind gradually increased, and was thus far in their favour, as they first benefited by it, yet, as the sun went down, so did their hopes descend. At nightfall the pirate had increased her distance to seven miles. Newton pursued, watching her with a night-glass, until she could no longer be distinguished. Still, their anxiety was so great, that no one went to bed on board of the Windsor Castle. When the day broke, the pirate was not to be discovered in any quarter of the horizon from the mast-head of the Windsor Castle. CHAPTER XLIX. ** She stood a vioinent as a PytJioness Stands on her tfipod, agonized and full Of inspiration gather'd from distress. When ail the heart-strings^ like ivild horses, pull The heart asunder; then, as more or less Their speed abated or their strength grew dull, She sunk down 07t her seat by slo7v degrees. And bow'd her throbbing head o'er trembling knees. " — Byron. It was with deep regret that Newton gave directions for the ship's head to be again directed on her course to England ; 330 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, .but the property under his charge was of too great value to warrant risking it by cruizing after the pirates, the superior saihng of whose vessel afforded no hopes of success. The melancholy situation of Madame de Fontanges threw a gloom over the party, which was communicated even to the seamen ; while the anguish of M. de Fontanges, expressed with all the theatrical violence characteristic of his nation, was a source of continual reminiscence and regret. They had been four days on their voyage, making little progress with the light and baffling winds, when they wxre shrouded in one of those thick fogs which prevail in the latitude of the Cape de Verds, and which was rendered more disagreeable by a mizzling rain. On the sixth day, about twelve o'clock, the horizon cleared to the northward, and the fog in that quarter was rolled away by a strong breeze which rippled along the water. Newton, w^ho was on deck, observed the direction of the wind to be precisely the reverse of the little breeze to which their sails had been trimmed; and the yards of the Windsoj^ Castle were braced round to meet it. The gust was strong, and the ship, laden as she was, careened over to the sudden force of it, as the top-gallant sheets and halyards were let fly by the directions of the officer of the watch. The fog, which had still continued thick to leeward, now began to clear away ; and, as the bank dispersed, the Marquis de Fontanges, who was standing on the poop by the side of Newton, cried out, " Voila im Imtinwit P"* Newton looked in the direction pointed out, and discovered the hull of a vessel looming through the fog, about a quarter of a mile to leeward of the Windsor Castle, One minute's scrutiny convinced him that it was the pirate, who, not having been expeditious in trimming his sails, laid in iro?is^ as seamen term it, heeling over to the blast. The Windsor Castle was then running free, at the rate of four miles an hour. " Starboard the helm — all hands to board— steady so. Be smart, my lads — it's the pirate — port a little. Hurrah ! my lads — be quick, and she's all our own. Quarter-master, my sword — quick ! " The crew, who were all on deck, snatched their cutlasses from the capstern-head, in which they were inserted, and before three minutes elapsed, during which the pirate had not time to extricate himself from his difficulty, were all ready for " Such had been the impetuosity of the attack, that most of the pirates had not had time to arm themselves." THE MERCHANT SER VICE. 331 the service. They were joined by the Flemish sailors belong- ing to the neutral vessel, who very deliberately put their hands in their breeches-pockets, and pulled out their knives, about as long as a carpenter's two-foot rule, preferring this weapon to anything else. Monsieur de Fontanges, bursting with impatience, stood with Newton, at the head of the men. When the collision of the two vessels took place, the Windsor Castle^ conned so as not to run down the pirate, but to sheer alongside, stove in the bulwarks of the other, and carried away her topmasts, which, drawn to windward by the pressure on the back-stays, fell over towards the Windsor Castle^ and, entangling with her rigging, prevented the separation of the two vessels. " No quarter, my friends ! " cried Monsieur de Fontanges, who darted on l3oard of the pirate vessel at the head of some men near the main-rigging, while Newton and the remainder, equally active, poured down upon his quarter. Such had been the rapidity of the junction, and such the impetuosity of the attack, that most of the pirates had not had time to arm themselves, which, considering the superiority of their numbers, rendered the contest more equal. A desperate struggle was the result ; — the attacked party neither expecting, demanding, nor receiving quarter. It was blow for blow, wound for wound, death to one or both. Every inch of the deck was disputed, and not an inch obtained until it reeked with blood. The voices of Newton and Monsieur de Fon- tanges, encouraging their men, were answered by another voice,^that of the captain of the pirates, — which had its due effect upon the other party, which rallied at its sound. Newton, even in the hurry and excitement of battle, could not help thinking to himself that he had heard that voice before. The English seamen gained but little ground, so obstinate was the resistance. The pirates fell ; but as they lay on the deck, they either raised their exhausted arms to strike one last blow of vengeance before their life's blood had been poured out, or seized upon their antagonists with their teeth in their expiring agonies. But a party, who, from the sedateness of their carriage, had hitherto been almost neutral, now forced their way into the conflict. These were the Flemish seamen, with their long snick-a-snee knives, which they used with as much 332 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, imperturbability as a butcher professionally employed. They had gained the main-rigging of the vessel, and, ascending it, had passed over by the catharpins, and descended, with all the deliberation of bears, on the other side, by which tranquil manoeuvre the pirates were taken in flank; and huddled as they were together, the knives of the Flemings proved much more effective than the weapons opposed to them. The assistance of the Flemings was hailed with a shout from the . English seamen, who rallied, and increased their efforts. Newton's sword had just been passed through the body of a" tall, powerful man, who had remained uninjured in the front of the opposing party since the commencement of the action, when his fall discovered to Newton's view the captain of the vessel, whose voice had been so often heard, but who had hitherto been concealed from his sight by the athletic form which had just fallen by his hand. What was his astonishment and his indignation when he found himself confronted by one whom he had long imagined to have been summoned to' answer for his crimes — his former inveterate enemy, Jackson ! • Jackson appeared to be no less astonished at the recognition of Newton, whom he had supposed to have perished on the sand-bank. Both mechanically called each other by name, and both sprang forward. The blow of Newton's sword was warded off by the miscreant ; but at the same moment that of Monsieur de Fontanges was passed through his body to the hilt. Newton had just time to witness the fall of Jackson, when a tomahawk descended on his head ; his senses failed him, and he lay among the dead upon the deck. There was a shriek, a piercing shriek, heard when Newton fell. It passed the lips of one who had watched, with an anxiety too intense to be portrayed, the issue of the conflict ; — it was from Isabel, who had quitted the cabin at the crash occasioned by the collision of the two vessels, and had re- mained upon the poop "spectatress of the fight." There were no fire-arms used ; no time for preparation had been allowed. There had been no smoke to conceal — all had been fairly pre- sented to her aching sight. Yes ! there she had remained, her eye fixed upon Newton Forster, as, at the head of his men, he slowly gained the deck of the contested vessel. Not one word did she utter ; but, with her lips wide apart from intensity THE MERCHANT SER I 'ICE. 333 of feeling, she watched his progress through the strife, her eye fixed — immovably fixed upon the spot where his form was to be seen ; hope buoyant, as she saw his arm raised and his victims fall — heart sinking, as the pirate sword aimed at a life so dear. There she stood like a statue — as white, as beautiful — as motionless as if, indeed, she had been chiselled from the Parian marble ; and had it not been for her bosom heaving with the agony of tumultuous feeling, you might have imagined that all was as cold within. Newton fell — all her hopes were wrecked — she uttered one wild shriek, and felt no more. / After the fall of Jackson, the pirates were disheartened, and their resistance became more feeble. M. de Fontanges carved his way to the taffrail, and then turned round to kill again. In a few minutes the most feeble-hearted escaped below, leaving the few remaining brave to be hacked to pieces, and the deck of the pirate vessel v/as in possession of the British crew. Not waiting to recover his breath, M. de Fontanges rushed below to secure his wife. The cabin-door was locked, but yielded to his efforts ; and he found her in the arms of her attendants in a state of insensibility. A scream of horror at the sight of his bloody sword, and another of joy at the recognition of their master, was followed up with the assurance that Madame had only fainted. M. de Fontanges took his wife in his arms, and carried her on deck, where, with the assistance of the seamen, he removed her on board of the Windsor Castle^ and in a short time had the pleasure to witness her recovery. The first endearments over, there was an awkward question to put to a wife. After responding to her caresses, M. de Fontanges inquired, with an air of anxiety very remarkable in a Frenchman, how she had been treated. " II n^ a pas de mal, mon ami," replied Madame de Fontanges. This was a Jesuitical sort of answer, and M. de Fontanges re- quired further particulars. " Elle avait temporisee '' with the ruffian, with the faint hope of that assistance which had so opportunely and unexpectedly arrived. M. de Fontanges was satisfied with his wife's explanation ; and such being the case, what passed between Jackson and Madame de Fontanges can be no concern of the reader's. As for Mimi and Charlotte, they made no such assertion ; but, when questioned, the poor girls burst into tears, and, calling the captain and first-lieutenant 334 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, of the pirate barbarians, and every epithet they could think of, complained bitterly of the usage which they had received. We left Newton floored (as Captain Oughton would have said) on the deck of the pirate vessel, and Isabel in a swoon on the poop of the Wifidsor Castle, They were both taken up, and then taken down, and recovered according to the usual custom in romances and real life. Isabel was the first to come to, because, I presume, a blow on the heart is not quite so serious as a blow on the head. Fortunately for Newton, the tomahawk had only glanced along the temple, not injuring the skull, although it stunned him, and detached a very decent portion of his scalp, which had to be replaced. A lancet brought him to his senses, and the surgeon pronounced his Avound not to be dangerous, provided that he remained quiet. At first Newton acquiesced with the medical adviser, but an hour or two afterwards a circumstance occurred which had such a resuscitating effect, that, weak as he was with the loss of blood, he would not resign the command of the ship, but gave his orders relative to the captured vessel, and the securing of the prisoners, as if nothing had occurred. What had con- tributed so much to the recovery of Newton was simply this, that somehow or another Mrs. Enderby left him for a few minutes tete ct tete with Isabel Revel : and, during those few minutes, somehow or another, a very interesting scene occurred, which I have no time just now to describe. It ended, however, somehow or another, in the parties plighting their troth. As I said before, love and murder are very good friends; and a chop from a tomahawk was but a prelude for the descent of Love, with " healing on his wings." The Windsor Castle lost five men killed and eleven wounded in this hard contest. Three of the Flemings were also wounded. The pirate had suffered more severely. Out of a crew of seventy-five men, as no quarter had been given, there remained but twenty-six, who had escaped and secreted them- selves below, in the hold of the vessel. These were put in irons under the half-deck of the Wifidsor Castle, to be tried upon their arrival in England. As I may as well dispose of them at once, they were all sentenced to death by Sir Wilham Scott, who made a very impressive speech upon the occasion ; and most of them were hanged on the bank of the Thames. THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 335 The polite valet of the Marquis de Fontanges hired a wherry, and escorted Mademoiselles Mimi and Charlotte to witness the '•'' barbares'' dangling in their chains; and the sooty young ladies returned much gratified with their interesting excursion. It will be necessary to account for the reappearance of Jackson. The reader may recollect that he made sail in the boat, leaving Newton on the island which they had gained after the brig had been run on shore and wrecked. When the boat came floating down with the tide, bottom up, Newton made sure that Jackson had been upset and drowned; instead of which, he had been picked up by a Providence schooner ; and the boat having been allowed to go adrift with the main- sheet belayed to the pin, had been upset by a squall, and had floated down with the current to the sand-bank where Newton was standing in the water. Jackson did not return to England, but had entered on board of a Portuguese slave-vessel, and continued some time employed in this notorious traffic, which tends so much to demoralise and harden the heart. After several voyages, he headed a mutiny, murdered the captain and those who were not a party to the scheme, and commenced a career of piracy, which had been very successful, from the superior sailing of the vessel, and the courage of the hardened villains he had collected under his command. CHAPTER L. ** Hopes ^ of all passions, most befriend us here; Joy has her tears, and transport has her death, Hope, like a cordial, innocent, thd' strong. Mattes heart at once inspirits and serenes; Nor makes him pay his wisdom for his joys, ^Tis all our present state can safely bear: Health to the frame and vigour to the mijtd, A 7 id to the modest eye, chastised delight. Like the fair sum?}ier evening, mild and szceet, *Tis man's full cup — his paradise belo70.^' — YouNG. With what feelings of delight did Newton Forster walk the deck of the Wijidsor Castle, as she scudded before a fine breeze across the Bay of Biscay ! His happiness in anticipation was so 335 NEWTON- FORSTER; OR, great, that at times he trembled lest the cup should be dashed from his lips; and at the same time that he thanked God for blessings received, he offered up his prayer that his prospects might not be blighted by disappointment. How happy did he feel when he escorted Isabel on deck, and walked with her during the fine summer evenings, communicating those hopes and fears, recurring to the past, or anticipating the future, till midnight warned them of the rapidity with which time had flown away ! The pirate vessel, which had been manned by the crew of the neutral and part of the ship's company of the Windsor Castle^ under charge of the fourth-mate, sailed round and round them, until at last the Channel was entered, and, favoured with a westerly breeze, the Windsor Castle and her prize anchored in the Downs. Here Mrs. Enderby and Isabel quitted the ship, and Newton received orders to proceed round to the river. Before the Windsor Castle had anchored, the newpapers were put into his hands containing a report of the two actions; and he had the gratification of acknowledging that his countrymen were not niggardly in the encomiums upon his meritorious conduct. Newton presented himself to the Court of Directors, who confirmed his rank, and promised him the command of the first ship which was brought forward, with flattering commen- dation for his gallantry in protecting property of so much value. Newton took his leave of the august Leadenhall board, and hastened to his uncle's house. The door was opened by a servant who did not know him : Newton passed him, and ran up to the drawing-room, where he found Amber in company with William Aveleyn, w^ho was reading to her the despatch containing the account of the action widi Surcoeuf. Amber sprang into his arms. She had grown into a tall girl of nearly fifteen, budding into womanhood and beauty : pro- mising perfection, although not yet attained to it. William Aveleyn was also nearly half a foot taller ; and a blush which suffused his handsome face at being surprised alone with Amber, intimated that the feelings of a man were superseding those of boyhood. "Where is my mother ?'' inquired Newton. "She is not at home, dear Newton,'* replied Amber; "she walked out witli your father. They are both well." THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 337 *' And my uncle?" "Quite well, and most anxious to see you. tie talks of nobody but you, and of nothing but your actions, which we were just reading about when you came in. Pray, Captain Newton, may I inquire after your French friends ? What has become of them?" " They are at Sablonniere's hotel, Miss Amber ; they have obtained their parole at the Alien-office." The conversation was interrupted by the return of Newton's father and mother, and shortly afterwards Mr. John Forster made his appearance. After the first greetings and con- gratulations were over — " Well, Newton," observed Nicholas, " so you beat off a pirate, I hear." '' No, my dear father, we boarded one." " Ah! very true; I recollect — and you killed Surcoeuf." " No, father, only beat him off." " So it was ; I recollect now. Brother John, isn't it almost dinner time?" " Yes, brother Nicholas, it is ; and I'm not sorry for it. Mr. William Aveleyn, perhaps you'd like to wash your hands? A lad's paws are never the worse for a little clean water." William Aveleyn blushed : his dignity was hurt : but he had lately been very intimate at Mr. Forster's, and he therefore walked out to comply with the recommendation. '* Well, brother Nicholas, what have you been doing all day?" " Doing all day, brother? really, I don't exactly know. My dear," said Nicholas, turning to his wife, " what have I been doing all day?" " To the best of my recollection," replied Mrs. Forster, smiling, " you have been asking when dinner would be ready." " Uncle Nicholas," said Amber, " you promised to buy me a skein of blue silk." *' Did I, my dear? Well, so I did, I declare. I'm very sorry — dear me, I forgot, I did buy it. I passed by a shop v/here the windows were full of it, and it brought it to my mind, and I did buy it. It cost — what was it, it cost?" " Oh ! I know what it cost," replied Amber. " I gave you threepence to pay for it. Where is it?" ** If I recollect, it cost seven shillings and sixpence," replied z 338 NEWTON FORSTER; OR. Nicholas, pulling out, not a skein of blue silk, but a yard of blue sarsenet. " Now, papa, do look here ! Uncle Nicholas, I never will give you a commission again. Is it not provoking ? I have seven shillings and sixpence to pay for a yard of blue sarsenet, which I do not want. Uncle Nicholas, you really are very stupid." "Well, my dear, I suppose I am. I heard William Aveleyn say the same, when I came into the room this morning, because ^-let me see '^ "You heard him say nothing, uncle," interrupted Amber, colouring. " Yes, I recollect now — how stupid I was to come in when I was not wanted !" " Humph !" said John Forster; and dinner was announced. Since the recognition of Mrs. Forster by her husband, she had presided at her brother-in-law's table. The dinner pro- vided was excellent, and was done ample justice to by all parties, especially Nicholas, whose appetite appeared to in- crease from idleness. Since Newton had left England he had remained a pensioner upon his brother ; and, by dint of con- stant exertion on the part of Mrs. Forster, had been drilled out of his propensity of interfering with either the watch or the spectacles. This was all that was required by Mr. John Forster ; and Nicholas walked up and down the house, like a tame cat, minding nobody, and nobody paying any attention to him. After dinner the ladies retired, and shortly afterwards William Aveleyn quitted the room. Newton thought this to be a good opportunity to acquaint his uncle with his attachment to Miss Revel, and the favour- able result. Mr. John Forster heard him without interruption. ^ Very nice girl, I daresay, nephew, but you are too young to marry. You can*t marry and go to sea. Follow your pro- fession, Newton; speculate in opium — I'll find the means." " I trust, sir, that I should never speculate in marrying : but, had I acted on that plan, this would prove the best speculation of the two. Miss Revel has a very large fortune." " So much the worse : a man should never be indebted to his wife for his money — they never forget it. I'd rather you had fallen in love with a girl without a shiHing." THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 339 ** Well, sir, when I first fell in love she had not a sixpence." " Humph ! — well, nephew, that may be very true ; but, as I said before, follow your profession." " Marriage will not prevent my so doing, uncle. Most cap- tains of Indiamen are married men." '^ More fools they ! leaving their wives at home to be flattered and fooled by the Lord knows who. A wife, nephew — is a w^oman." "I hope that mine will be one, sir," replied Newton, laugh- ing. *^ Nephew, once for all, I don't approve of your marrying now — that's understood. It's my wish that you follow your profession. I'll be candid with you ; I have left you the heir to most of my fortune; but — I can alter my will. If you marry this girl I shall do so." "Alter your will, brother?" said Nicholas, who had been attentive to the conversation. *' Why, who have you to leave your money to, except to Newton ? " " To hospitals — to pay off the national debt — to anything. Perhaps I may leave it all to that little girl, who already has come in for a slice." " But, brother," replied Nicholas, " will that be just, to leave all your money away from the family? " "Just, yes, brother Nicholas, quite just. A man's will is his will. If he makes it so as to satisfy the wishes or expectations of others, it is no longer his will, but theirs. Nephew, as I said before, if you marry against my consent, I shall alter my will." " I am sorry, sir, very sorry, that you should be displeased with me ; but I am afiianced to this lady, and no worldly con- sideration will induce me not to fulfil an engagement upon which, indeed, my future happiness depends. I have no claim upon you, sir ; on the contrary, I have incurred a large debt of gratitude, from your kind protection. Anything else you would require of me " " Humph ! that's always the case ; anything else except what is requested. Brother Nicholas, do me the favour to go up- stairs j I wish to speak with my nephew alone." " Well, brother John, certainly, if you wish it — if you and Newton have secrets ; " and Nicholas rose from his chair. 340 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, "Surely, sir," observed Newton, not pleased at the auiupt dismissal of his father, " we can have no secrets to which my father may not be a party." " Yes, but I have, nephew. Your father is my brother, and I take the liberty with my brother, if you like that better — not with your father.'' In the meantime Nicholas had stalked out of the room. " Nephew,'^ continued Mr. John Forster, as the door closed, " I have stated to you my wish that you should not marry this young woman ; and I will now explain my reasons. The girl left in my charge by my brother Edward has become the same to me as a daughter. I intend that you shall make three or four voyages as captain of an Indiaman ; then you shall marry her, and become the heir to my whole fortune. Now you understand me. May I ask what are your objections ? " *' None, sir, but what I have already stated — my attachment and engagement to another person." "Is that all?" " Is it not enough ? " "It appears that this young woman has entered into an engagement on board ship, without consulting her friends." *'She has no father, sir. She is of age, and independent.** "You have done the same." " I grant it, sir; but even were I inclined, could I, in honour or honesty, retract ? '* "Humph!" " Perhaps, sir, if you were acquainted vvith the young lady you might not be averse to the match." " Perhaps, if I saw wi-th your eyes, I might not ; but that is not likely to be the case. Old men are a little blind and a little obstinate. After toiling through life to amass a fortune, they wish to have their own way in disposing of it. It is the only return they can receive for their labour. However, nephew, you will act as you please. As I said before, if you marry against my consent, I shall alter my will. Now, empty the bottle, and we'll go upstairs." THE MERC HANI SERVICE. 341 CHAPTER LI. ** A/idj Belty, give this cheek a little red," — PoPE. The departure of Isabel in the Windsor Castle, so immediately aiter the death of Colonel Revel, prevented her communicating to her mother the alteration which had taken place in her circumstances, and her intended return to England. The first intimation received by Mrs. Revel was from a hurried note sent on shore by a pilot-boat off Falmouth, stating Isabel's arrival in the Channel, and her anticipation of soon embracing her mother. Isabel did not enter into any particulars, as she neither had time, nor did she feel assured that the letter would ever reach its destination. The letter did however come to hand two days before Isabel and Mrs. Enderby arrived in the metropolis, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Revel, who imagined that her daughter had returned penniless, to be a sharer of her limited income. She com- plained to Mr. Heaviside, who as usual stepped in, not so much Irom any regard for Mrs. Revel, but to while away the time of ^ifar niente old bachelor. " Only think, Mr. Heaviside," said the lady, who was stretched on a sofa, supported on pillows, " Isabel has returned from India. Here is a letter I have just received, signed with her maiden name ! Her sisters so well married too ! Surely she might have stayed out with one of them ! I wonder how she got the money to pay her passage home ! Dear me, what shall I do with her?" " If I may be allowed to see the letter, Mrs. Revel," said the old gentleman " Oh, certainly, it's nothing but a note." Mr. Heaviside read the contents. " There is very little in it indeed, Mrs. Revel ; not a word about the colonel, or why she left India. Perhaps the colonel may be dead." " Then she might have gone to live with one of her sisters, Mr. Heaviside ! " '* But perhaps he may have left her some property." " And do you, a sensible man, think that ii such was tlie 342 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, case, my daughter would not have mentioned it in her note? Impossible, Mr. Heaviside ! '' " She may intend to surprise you, Mrs. Revel." ^*She has surprised me,'' replied the lady, falling back upon the pillows. " Well, Mrs. Revel, you will soon ascertain the facts. I wish you a good morning, and will pay my devoirs in a day or two to inquire after your health, and hear what has taken place." To defray the expenses attending the "consignment" of the three Miss Revels to India, Mrs. Eevel had consented to borrow money, insuring her life as a security to the parties who provided it. Her unprincipled husband took this opportunity of obtaining a sum which amounted to more than half her marriage settlement, as Mrs. Revel signed the papers laid before her without examining their purport. When her divi- dends were become due, this treachery was discovered; and Mrs. Revel found herself reduced to a very narrow income, and wholly deserted by her husband, who knew that he had no chance of obtaining further means of carrying on his profligate career. His death in a duel, which we have before mentioned, took place a few months after the transaction, and Mrs. Revel was attacked with that painful disease, a cancer, so deeply seated as to be incurable. Still she was the same frivo- lous, heartless being; still she sighed for pleasure, and to move in those circles in which she had been received at the time of her marriage. But, as her income diminished, so did her acquaintances fall off; and at the period of Isabel's return, with the exception of Mr. Heaviside and one or two others, she was suffered to pine away in seclusion. Isabel was greeted with querulous indifference until the explanation of the first ten minutes ; then, as an heiress, with" the means as well as the desire of contributing to her mother's comforts, all was joy and congratulation. Her incurable disease was for the time forgotten; and although pain would occasionally draw down the muscles of her face, as soon as the- pang was over, so was the remembrance of her precarious situation. Wan and wasted as a spectre, she indulged in anti- cipation of again mixing with the fashionable world, and talked of chaperoning Isabel to private parties and public amusements, when she was standing on the brink of eternity. Isabel sighed THE MERCHANT SERVICE, 34^ as she listened to her mother, and observed her attenuated frame; occasionally she would refer to her mother's state oi health, and attempt to bring her to that serious state of mind which her awful situation demanded ; but in vain : Mrs. Revel' would evade the subject. Before a week had passed, she had set up an equipage, and called upon many of her quondam friends to announce the important intelligence of her daugh- ter's wealth. Most of them had long before given orders not to be " at home to Mrs. Revel.'"' The few to whom, from the remissness of their porters, she obtained admittance, were satisfied at their servants' negligence when they heard the intelligence which Mrs. Revel had to communicate. *'They were so delighted; Isabel was always such a sweet girl; hoped that Mrs. Revel would not be such a recluse as she had been,, and that they should prevail upon her to come to their parties ! " An heiress is of no little consequence when there are so many younger brothers to provide for; and, before a short month had flown away, Mrs. Revel, to her delight, found that the cards and invitations of no inconsiderable portion of the beau nionde covered the table of her confined drawing-room. To Isabel, who perceived that her mother was sinking every day under the exertion she went through, all this was a source of deep regret. It occurred to her that to state her engagements with Newton Forster would have some effect in preventing this indirect suicide. She took an opportunity of confiding it to her mother, who listened to her with astonishment. " Isabel ! what do I hear ? What ! that young man who calls here so often ! You, that can command a title, rank, and fashion, engage yourself to a captain of an Indiaman ! Recol- lect, Isabel, that now your poor father is dead, I am your legal protector; and without my permission I trust you have too much sense of filial duty to think of marrying. How you could venture to form an engagement without consulting me is quite astonishing ! Depend upon it, I shall not give my consent; therefore, think no more about it.'' How often do we thus see people, who make no scruples of neglecting their duties, as eagerly assert their responsibility, when it suits their convenience. Isabel might have retorted, but she did not. In few words, she gave her mother to understand that she was decided, and 544' NEWTON FORSTER; OR, then retired to dress for a splendid ball, at which, more to please her mother than herself, she had consented to be present. It was the first party of any consequence to which Mrs. Revel had been invited. She considered it as her XQ-entree into the fashionable world, and the presentation of her daughter ; she would not have missed it for any consideration. That morning she had felt more pain than usual, and had been obliged to have recourse to restoratives; but once more to join the gay and fashionable throng — the very idea braced her nerves, rendered her callous to suffering, and indifferent to disease. " I think," said Mrs. Revel to her maid — " I think," said she, panting, " you may lace me a little closer, Martyn." " Indeed, madam, the holes nearly meet ; it will hurt your side." "No, no, I feel no pain this evening — there, that will do." The lady's-maid finished her task, and left the room. Mrs. Revel rouged her wan cheeks, and, exhausted with fatigue and pain, tottered to an easy-chair, that she might recover herself a little before she went downstairs. In a quarter of an hour Isabel, who had waited for the services of Martyn, entered her mother's room, to announce that she was ready. Her mother, who was sitting in the chair, leaning backwards, answered her not. Isabel went up to her, and looked her in the face — she was dead/ CHAPTER LH. ** My dearest wife was like this maid, A7zd such my dattghter might have heeny — Shakspeare, The reader may be surprised at the positive and dictatorial language of Mr. John Forster, relative to Newton's marriage, as detailed in a former chapter ; but, as Mr. John Forster truly observed, all the recompense which he had to expect for a lite of exertion was to dispose of the fruits of his labour according to his own will. This he felt ; and he considered it unreason- able that what he supposed a boyish attachment on the part of THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 345 Newton was to overthrow all his preconcerted arrangements. Had Mr. Forster been able to duly appreciate the feelings of his nephew, he probably would not have been so decided; but Love had never been able to establish himself as an inmate of his breast. His life had been a life of toil. Love associates with idleness and ease. Mr. Forster was kind and cordial lo his nephew as before, and the subject was not again re- newed; nevertheless, he had made up his mind, and having stated that he would alter his will, such w^as his intention, pro- vided that his nephew did not upon mature reflection accede to his wishes. Newton once more enjoyed the society of Isabel, to whom he imparted all that had occurred. " I do not wish to play the prude,'* answered Isabel, "by denying that I am distressed at your uncle's decision ; to say that I will never enter into his family without having received his consent, is saying more than my feelings will bear out; but I must and will say that I shall be most unwilling so to do. We must, there- fore, as Madame de Fontanges did with the pirate captain, temporise, and I trust we shall be as successful." Newton, more rational than most young men in love, agreed with Isabel on the propriety of the measure, and, satisfied with each other's attachment, they were by no means in a hurry to precipitate their marriage. It may be recollected that Newton Forster felt convinced that the contents of the trunk which he picked up at ssa, when mate of the coasting vessel, was the property of the Marquis de Fontanges. During their passage home in the Wiiidsoi' Castle, he had renewed the subject to M. de Fontanges, and from the description which he gave from memory, the latter appeared to be of the same opinion. The conversation had not been revived until some time after their arrival in England, when Newton, anxious to restore the articles, desired M. de Fontanges to communicate with the marquis, and request that he w^ould appoint a day upon which he would call at his uncle's and identify the property. The marquis, who had never been informed by M. de Fontanges that the supposed relics of his lost wife remained, sighed at the memory of his buried happi- ness — buried in the vast grave, which defrauds the earth of its inherent rights — and consented to call upon the ensuing day. When the marquis arrived, accompanied by M. and Madame ^ .NEWTON FORSTER; OR,' de Fontanges, he was received in the drawing-room by Mr." John Forster, who had brought from his chamber the packet in question, which had remained locked up in the iron safe ever since Newton had first committed it to his charge. After their introduction to each other, the marquis observed, in EngHsh — *'I am giving you a great deal of trouble; unavailing indeed; for, allowing that the articles should prove to be mine, the sight of them must be a source of renewed misery." "Sir," replied Mr. John Forster, "the property does not belong to my nephew, and he has very properly reserved it until he could find out the legal owner. If the property is yours, we are bound to deliver it into your hands. There is an inventory attached to it," continued the old lawyer, putting on his spectacles, and reading, "one diamond ring — but per- haps it would be better that I should open the packet." " Will you permit me to look at the diamond ring, sir?" observed M. de Fontanges. " The sight of that will identify the whole." " There it is, sir," replied Mr. John Forster. " It is, indeed, that of my poor sister-in-law ! " said M. de Fontanges, taking it up to the marquis. " My brother, it is Louise's ring ! " " It is," cried the marquis, passionately, "' the ring that I placed in the centre of her corbeille de mariage. Alas ! where is the hand which graced it ? " and the marquis retreated to the sofa, and covered his face. " We have no occasion then to proceed further," observed Mr. John Forster, with emotion. " The other articles you, ot course, recognise?'' ** I do," replied Monsieur de Fontanges. " My brother had taken his passage in the same vessel, but was countermanded. Before he had time to select all his own baggage, which was. mixed with that of his wife, the ship was blown out to sea, and proceeded on her voyage. These orders of merit were left with her jewels." "I observe," said the old lawyer, "which I did not when Newton entrusted the packet to my charge, that the linen has not all the same marks ; that of the adult is marked L. de M.^ THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 347 while that which belonged to the child is marked J. de F. Was it the marquis's child?'' ** It was ; the linen of the mother was some belonging to her previous to her marriage. The maiden name was Louise de Montmorenci \ that of the child has the initials of its name, Julie de Fontanges." " Humph ! I have my reasons for asking that question," replied the old lawyer, "Newton, do me the favour to step to my chambers and open the safe. You will find in it, on the right-hand side, another small bundle of linen : bring it here. Stop, Newton, blow the dust out of the pipe of the key before you put it in, and be careful it is well inserted before you turn it, or you may strain the wards. In all other points, you may be as quick as you please. My Lord Marquis, will you allow me to offer you some refreshment ?— a glass of wine will be of service. Brother Nicholas, do me the favour to call Amber." Newton and Nicholas both departed on their respective mis- sions. Amber made her appearance. " Papa," said Amber, " do you want me ? " " Yes, my dear," said Mr. Forster, handing her the keys; " go down to the cellaret and bring up some wine. I do not wish the servants to come in just now." Amber reappeared with a small tray. She first handed it to the marquis, who was roused at her voice. " Papa requests that you will take some wine, sir. It will be of service to you." The marquis, who had looked earnestly in her face when she had spoken, took the wine, and drinking it off, bowed as he replaced the glass. He -then sunk back on the sofa. When the rap at the door announced the return of Newton, Mr. John Forster requested M. de Fontanges, in a low voice, to follow him, and directing Newton, whom they met on the stairs, to return, they proceeded to the dining-parlour. " I have requested you to come down, sir," said Mr. John Forster, " that I might not, without being certain, raise hopes in your brother the marquis, which, if not realised, would create I itter feelings of disappointment ; but I remarked the initials on the linen of the child ; and if my memory, which is not very bad, fails me not, we shall find corresponding ones in the packet now before us ; " and the old lawyer opened the bundle 54S NEWTON FORSTER; OR, and displayed the contents, which proved to be marked as lie had surmised. " Most true," repHed Monsieur de Fontanges. " They are the same, and of course part of the property which was picked up." " Yes ; but not picked up at the same time, or at the same spot, or by the same person. Those abovestairs were, as you know, picked up by my nephew, these by a brother, who is since dead : and in these clothes an infant was also washed upon the beach." ^ " His child ! " exclaimed Monsieur de Fontanges. " Where was it buried ? " " The child was restored to life, and is still living." ** If it is," replied Monsieur de Fontanges, " it can be no other than the young lady who just now called you father. The likeness to Madame la Marquise is most astonishing." " It is as you suppose, sir," repHed Mr. John Forster. " At my brother's death, he bequeathed the little girl to ray pro- tection ; and I trust I have done justice to the deposit. Indeed, although an alien by blood, she is as dear to me as if she were my own daughter : and," continued the old lawyer, hesitating a little, "although I have the satisfaction of restoring her to her father's arms, it will be a heavy blow to part with her ! When my brother spoke to me on the subject, I told him it was trouble and expense enough to bring up a child of one's own begetting. I little thought at the time how much more I should be vexed at parting with one of another's. However, with the bundle, she must be returned to the lawful owner. I have one more remark to make, sir. Do me the favour to look at that drawing of my poor brother's, which hangs over the sideboard. Do you recognise the portrait ? " " Triton ! " cried Monsieur de Fontanges ; " the dog which I gave my poor sister-in-law ! " *' You are indebted to that dog for the life of your niece. He brought her on shore, and laid her at my brother's feet ; but I have all the documents, which I will send for your perusal. The facts I consider so well established as to warrant a verdict in any court of justice ; and now, sir, I must leave you to make the communication as soon, and, at the same time, as cautiously as you please. Newton, send Amber down to me." THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 319 We will pass over the scenes which followed in the dining- parlour and drawing-room. The Marquis de Fontanges discovered that he was blest with a daughter, at the same time that Amber learnt her own history. In a few minutes Amber Avas lead upstairs to the arms of her father, whose tears of sorrow at the loss of his wife were now mingled with those of delight, as he clasped his daughter to his heart. "What obligations do I owe to your \Nhole family, my dear friend ! " said the marquis to Newton. " I will not deny it, sir," replied Newton ; "but allow me to observe, that for the recovery of your daughter you are equally indebted to the generosity of your own relatives and your own feeling disposition. Had not Monsieur and Madame de Fontanges protected and assisted me in my distress ; had not you, instead of throwing me into prison, set me at liberty, you never would have known where your daughter was to be found. Had not one of my uncles hastened to the relief of the vessel in distress, and the other protected your little girl after his death, she would not have been now in existence. My gratitude for your kindness induced me to remain by your ship, and subsequently to rescue you from the pirate, or you would not have now been a prisoner in this country — an evil which, under divine Providence, has been changed to a blessing, by restoring to you your daughter. We have all, I trust, done our duty, and this happy issue is our full reward." " Humph ! '* observed the old lawyer. CHAPTER LHL •* Thus far our chronicle — and noiu 7ue pause. Though not for want of mattery but "'tis titne,'''' — Byron. Amber, or Julie de Fontanges, as we must now call her, quitted the abode of her kind protector in such distress, that it was evident she regretted the discovery which had been made. She was too young to be aware of the advantages of liigh birth, and her removal was for some time a source of unfeigned regret. It appeared to her that nolhing could com- 350 NEWTON FORSTER; OR, pensate for the separation from her supposed father, who doted on her, from Mrs. Forster, who had watched over her, from Nicholas, who amused her, and from Newton, whom she loved as a brother. But the idea of going to a foreign country, and never seeing them or William Aveleyn again, and, though last, not least, to find that she was not an Englishwoman, and in future muat not rejoice at their victories over her own nation, occasioned many a burst of tears when left alone to her own meditations. It was long before the devotion of her father, and the fascinating attentions of M. and Madame de Fontanges, could induce her to be resigned to her new condi- tion. Mr. John Forster felt his bereavement more deeply than could have been supposed. For many days after the departure of Julie, he seldom spoke, never made his appear- ance, except at dinner-time, and as soon as the meal was finished, hastened to his chambers, where he remained very late. Intense application was the remedy which he had selected to dispel his care, and fill up the vacuum created by the absence of his darling child. " Newton," said he, one evening, as they discussed a bottle of port, " have you considered what I proposed ? I confess to you that I am more than ever anxious for the match ; I cannot part with that dear child, and you can bring her back to me." *' I have reflected, sir ; but the case must be viewed in a very different light. You might affiance your adopted daugh- ter at her early age, but the Marquis de Fontanges may not be so inclined ; nay, farther, sir, it is not impossible that he may dislike the proposed^ match. He is of a very noble fxmily." *' I have thought on that subject," replied Mr. John Forster; " but our family is as well descended, and quite well enough for any Frenchman, let him be a marquis, or even a duke. Js that the only obstacle you intend to raise — or, if this is removed, will you again plead your attachment to another ? '' " It is the only one which I mean to raise at present, sir. I acknowledge Julie de Fontanges to be a sweet girl, and, as a relation, I have long been much attached to her." " Humph ! " replied the old lawyer; " I always thought you a sensible lad — we shall see." THE MERCHANT SER VICE, 35 1 Now, be it observed, that there was a certain degree of tho Jesuitical on the part of our friend Newton on this occasion, — excusable only from his wish that the mortification of his uncle at the disappointment of his hopes should not be occasioned by any further resistance on his part. To M. de Fontanges, who was aware of Newton's attach- ment to Isabel, he had, previous to the discovery which had taken place, communicated the obstacle to his union, raised by the pertinacity of his uncle. After the removal of Julie, M. de Fontanges acquainted his brother with the wishes of Mr. John Forster, and explained to him how mucli they were at variance with those of Newton. The first time that Newton called upon the marquis, the latter, shaking him warmly by the hand, said, — " I have been informed, my dear Newton, by my brother, of the awkward predicament in which you are placed by the wish of your uncle that you should marry my Julie when she grows up. Believe me, when I say it, there is no man to whom I would sooner confide the happiness of my daughter, and that no considera- tion would induce me to refuse you, if you really sought her hand ; but I know your wishes, and your attachment to Miss Revel, therefore be quite easy on the subject. Your uncle made his proposition when Julie had no father to be consulted : the case is now different ; and, for your sake, I intend, for a time, to injure myself in the opinion of your good relation. I shall assume, I trust, what, if ever I had it, would be imme diately sacrificed to gratitude, — I mean, high aristocratical pride; and should your uncle make the proposal, refuse it upon the grounds that you are not noble by descent No one will deny your nobility on any other point. Do you under- stand me, Newton ? and will my so doing be conformable to your wishes ? " " It will. Monsieur le Marquis, and I thank you most sincerely." " Then make no objection when he proposes the match a second time ; leave all the obloquy on my shoulders,'' said the marquis, smiling. This arrangement having been made, it was not surprising that Newton heard his uncle's renewal of the proposition with such calmness and apparent acquiescence. 352 NEWTON FORSTER; OR. " We dine with the marquis to-morrow, Newton/' observed Mr. John Forster ; " I shall take an opportunity after dinner of requesting a few minutes' interview, when I shall put the question to him." " Certainly, sir, if you think right," replied Newton. *'Well, I'm glad the dear girl has changed that foolish name of Amber. What could possess my brother ? Julie is very fine, nevertheless ; but then she was christened by French people." The next day the parties met at dinner. Isabel Revel had been asked ; and, having heard from Madame de Fontanges of the plan agreed upon, and anxious to see the old lawyer, she had consented to join the party. The dinner passed off as most dinners do when the viands and wines are good, and everybody is inclined to be happy. Isabel was placed next to Mr. Forster, who, without knowing who she was, felt much pleased with the deference and attention of so beautiful a young woman. " Newton," said his uncle, when the ladies retired, and the gentlemen packed up their chairs, " who was that young lady who sat next to me ? " " The young lady, my dear uncle, whom I did wish to introduce to you as my intended wife — Miss Isabel Revel." " Humph ! — why, you never spoke to her before dinner, or paid her any common civility ! " '' You forget, sir, your injunctions, and " " That's no reason, nephew, why you should forget common civility. I requested that you would not marry the young lady ; but I never desired you to commit an act of rudeness. She is a very nice young person ; and politeness is but a trifle, although marriage is a very serious thing." In pursuance of his plans, when the gentlemen rose, Mr. John Forster requested a few minutes' conversation with the marquis, who, bowing politely, showed the way to a small study on the same floor. Mr. Forster immediately stated his wish that an engagement should be formed betw^een his nephew and Julie de Fontanges. "Mr. Forster," replied the marquis, drawing up proudly, " the obligations I am under to your family are so great, that there are but few points in which I could refuse you ; and I THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 353 therefore am quite distressed that, of this proposal, I am obHged to decline the honour. You may be ignorant, Mr. Forster, that the family of the De Fontanges is one of the oldest in France ; and, with every respect for you and your nephew, and all gratitude for your kindness, I cannot permit my daughter to form a viesalliaiice.^^ " A mesalliance I — humph ! I presume, sir, in plain English, it means marrying beneath her rank in life? " The marquis bowed. " I beg to observe, sir," said Mr. John Forster, '^ that our family is a very old one. I can show you our pedigree. It has lain for some years by the side of your daughter's bundle in the iron safe." " I have no doubt of the excellence of your family, Mr. Forster. I can only express my deep regret that it is not noble. Excuse me, Mr. Forster; except you can prove that '' "Why, I could prove it by purchasing a dozen marquisates, if I thought proper ! ^' " Granted, Mr. Forster. In our country they are to be pur- chased ; but we make a great difference between the parvenus of the present day and the a?icienne noblesse^ " Well, Mr. Marquis, just as you please ; but I consider myself quite as good as a French marquis," replied Mr. Forster, in a tone of irritation. " Better than many, I have no doubt \ but still, we draw the line. Noble blood, Mr. Forster." *' Noble fiddlestick ! Monsieur le Marquis, in this countiy, and the inhabitants are not fools, we allow money to weigh against rank. It purchases that, as it does everything else, except heaven. Now, Monsieur le Marquis " " Excuse me, sir ; no money will purchase the hand of Julie de Fontanges," replied the marquis. '' Well, then. Monsieur le Marquis, I should think that the obligations you are under in restoring your daughter to your " Warrants your asking for her back again, Mr. Forster?" replied the marquis, haughtily. ** A labourer might find this diamond solitaire that's now upon my finger. Does it therefore follow that I am to make him a present of it ? " A A 354 NEWrON FORSTER; OR, " Humph ! " ejaculated Mr. Forster, much affronted with the comparison. " In short, my dear sir, anything which you or your family can think of, which it is in our power to grant, will make us most happy ; but to sully the blood of the most ancient '' John Forster would hear no more ; he quitted the room and wdked upstairs before the marquis had completed his sjDeech. When he entered the drawing-room, his countenance plainly expressed his disappointment. Like all men who have toiled for riches, he had formed plans, in which he considered his wealth was to command success, and had overlooked every obstacle which might present itself against the completion of his wishes. " Newton," said he, as they stood apart near the window, "you have been a good lad in not persisting to thwart my views, but that French marquis, with his folly and his * ancienne noblesse,' has overthrown all my plans. Now, I shall not interfere with yours. Introduce me to Miss what's her name ; she is a very fine girl, and from what I saw of her during dinner, I like her very much." Isabel ' exerted herself to please, and succeeded. Satisfied with his nephew's choice, flattered by his previous apparent submission, and disgusted with the marquis, Mr. John Forster thought no more of Mademoiselle de Fontanges. His consent Avas voluntary, and in a short time Isabel Revel changed her name. It was about five months after Newton's marriage that he received a letter from the Board, appointing him to the command of a ship. Newton handed the letter over to Mr. Forster. " I presume, sir, it is your wish that I should accept the offer?" ** What offer?" said the old lawyer, who was reading through a case for counsel's opinion. '^ Melville — for Madras and China. — ^Why, Newton, I really do not see any occasion for your going afloat again. There is an old proverb — *The pitcher that goes often to the well is broken at last.' You're not tired of your wife already ? " "I hope not, sir; but I thought it might be your wish." " It's my wish that you should stay at home. A poor man THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 355 •may go to sea, because he stands a chance to come home rich ; but a man who has money in hand, and in prospect, if he goes to sea, he is a fool. Follow your profession as long as you require it, but no longer." " Why, then, do you work so hard, my dear sir," said Isabel, leaning over the old gentleman, and kissing him, in gratitude for his decision. *' Surely you can afford to relax a little now ? " "Why do I work so hard, Isabel?" replied Mr. Forster, looking up at her through his spectacles. " Why, you expect to have a family, do you not ? " ^ Isabel blushed ; the expectation was undeniable. *^ Well, then, I presume the children will have no objection to find a few thousands more to be divided among them by- and-by — will they, daughter ? " The conversation was interrupted by the entry of a servant with a letter ; Mr. Forster broke the seal, and looked at the signature. *' Humph ! from the proud old marquis. * Very sorry, for a short period, to have fallen in your good opinion — should have rejoiced to have called Newton my son-in-law ! * — Humph !. 'Family pride all assumed — Newton's happiness at stake — trust the deceit will be pardoned, and a renewal of former intimacy.' Why, Newton, is all this true ? '* *' Ask Isabel, sir," replied Newton, smiling. " Well, then, Isabel, is all this true ?" " Ask Newton, sir," replied Isabel, kissing him. " The fact is, my dear sir, I could not afford to part with Newton, even to please you, so we made up a little plof " Humph ! — made up a little plot — well — I sha'n't alter my will, nevertheless ; " and Mr. Forster recommenced the reading of his brief. Such is the history of Newton Forster, which, like most novels or plays, has been wound up with marriage. The last time that I appeared before my readers, they were dissatisfied Avith the termination of my story; they considered I had deprived them of *' a happy marriage,'' to which, as an un- doubted right, they were entitled, after wading through three tedious volumes. As I am anxious to keep on good terms with the public, I hasten to repair the injury which it has sus- 356 NE WTON FORSTER, tained, by stating that about three years after the maniage of Newton Forster, the following paragraph appeared in the several papers of the metropolis : '^Yesterday, by special license, the Right Honourable William Lord Aveleyn to Mademoiselle Julie de Fontanges, only daughter of the Marquis de Fontanges, late Governor of the Island of Bourbon. The marriage was to have been solemnized in December last, but was postponed, in con- sequence of the death of the late Lord Aveleyn. After the ceremony, the happy couple," &c. &c. &c. :» # # # ^ 41: And now, most arbitrary public, I consider that I have made the amende ho?torable, and that we are quits ; for, if you were minus a happy marriage in the last work, you have a couple to indemnify you in the present THE END. J. OGDEN AND CO., PRINTERS, I72, ST. 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